Peer Support Specialist at Behavioral Health Network, Inc. in Springfield, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Description



The STAR-H Peer Support Specialists have lived experience of addiction, homelessness, and recovery. Providing real-time Housing First and Maintaining Independence and Sobriety through Systems Integration, Outreach, and Networking (MISSION) wraparound services, Peer Support Specialists work closely with adult participants in Metro-Springfield who are chronically homeless and whose lives have been derailed by co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Offering credible connection and guidance, motivation, and hope, Peer Specialists help participants explore and find their own unique recovery pathways.



ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides wraparound peer support services to up to 15 STAR-H participants at any given time.


• Helps adults with problem substance use, mental health and housing challenges explore a variety of recovery pathways


• Uses their own lived experience of addiction and recovery to help mentor and empower their peers to be in the 'driver's seat' of their lives


• Helps promote quality of life through empowerment, safety awareness and trauma-informed approaches including respect, trustworthiness, and honoring the inherent worth and dignity of each person.


• Facilitates weekly MISSION peer support groups and activities to focus on the recovery needs, preferences, hopes, and dreams of people participating in services.


• Assists individuals with organizing their life activities


• Provides support, information, advocacy, and linkages to resources to help individuals take next steps in their recovery journeys.


• Provides assertive outreach and assists with access to preferred community-based services


• Completes all program specific documentation in a compliant and timely fashion


• Collects and enters data as directed by the UMass Medical CHAN MISSION & Housing First Evaluators

• Must have lived experience of addiction and recovery with a minimum of two years in sustained recovery upon hire.


• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent


• MA Certification in Addiction Recovery Coaching (CARC) strongly preferred. If not, CARC certification required within one year of hire.


• Completed Recovery Coach Academy training by a BSAS approved provider and the 3-day Ethical Considerations course either before start date or within one month of hire


• Additional Certification as a Peer Specialist, a plus


• Strong motivation to work with people whose lives have been derailed by addiction and mental health challenges


• Familiarity with a wide range of services and supports to shore up stability and recovery in the community, but not limited to peer-based recovery supports


• A passion for and experience doing community outreach work


• Ability to work both independently and on a team


• Excellent skills in communication, follow-through, and maintaining professional boundaries


• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to relate to and build rapport with program participants, colleagues, and internal and external service partners.


• Spanish speaking language capability (preferred)


• MA Driver's License and a reliable, registered and insured vehicle for on-the-job use required