Peer to Peer Specialist
About the role
Aspire Health and Community Services recognizes that attracting and retaining exceptional staff is the key to providing excellent care for our clients. Whether a staff member is providing direct care to those we serve or working on the administrative end supporting the services we are proud to provide, each person’s contribution is highly valued. Our mission, vision and values are supported by organizational culture guiding the work for every staff member: We are one compassionate, accountable community. Working at Aspire Health and Community Services can provide enormous job satisfaction. Your contribution is serving to help fulfill a mission, vision and values that support our belief that mental health is the foundation of a person’s overall health and we work to foster an environment that is safe and supportive and free of judgement or prejudice around mental health. In addition, Aspire Health and Community Services offers a competitive package of compensation and benefits. The Peer to Peer program offers support to individuals living with mental illness during evenings when access to mental health services is typically unavailable. Funded by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership and operated with our Emergency Services Program. The mission of the Peer-to-Peer Program is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can connect with others whose shared experiences help them work through various stages of their recovery. Dedicated to the belief that recovery is real, the program functions within a living room model where peers can relax and feel comfortable. Clients can join in peer-led activities, including guided meditation, arts and crafts, and “recovery is real” group discussions. If they prefer, they can simply relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or watch television in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere surrounded by empathetic peers whose similar situations can be invaluable during recovery. Offering respect, understanding, and ongoing encouragement, our peers are a guiding force to renew hope and strengthen clients’ determination to stay on track with their own journeys of recovery.
Responsibilities
- Connecting with clients, urging open, honest dialogue, and showing by example that recovery is possible
- Being a role model for the group
- Advocate for their peers
- Promote healing through relationship building
- Provide guidance on other mental health resources if needed
Requirements
- Peer Specialist Certification required within 6 months of date of hire
- Lived experience with severe and persistent mental illness required
Pay
Salary Range $20 - $20 USD (compensation based on candidate experience, qualifications, and certifications and licenses; annual ranges listed are based on a full-time, 40 hours per week position)
Schedule
Part-time, 20 hours/week. Hours: Thursday and Friday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM