Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description: Have you walked the path of mental health recovery? Your lived experience can guide others to find their light.

Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) is seeking compassionate Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialists to join our Behavioral Health Home (BHH) team. If you've navigated your own mental health challenges and are passionate about empowering others, we invite you to make a real difference in the lives of our members who need extra support.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will:

• Offer understanding: Draw from your personal journey to provide genuine empathy and support to individuals facing similar challenges.
• Inspire hope: Help clients see the possibility of recovery and build a brighter future.
• Guide the way: Assist clients in navigating the complexities of the mental health system, connecting them with resources, and fostering independence.
• Build community: Facilitate support groups and encourage peer-to-peer connection, creating a sense of belonging and shared strength.

We value your lived experience and offer:

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• A supportive team environment where your unique perspective is valued and respected.
• Opportunities for professional development to enhance your skills and grow within the agency.

Join AWS and use your journey to light the way for others.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of a team dedicated to fostering hope and recovery, we encourage you to apply today!

• GED or High School Diploma required; an associate degree is preferred.
• Personal experience with mental health services and substance use recovery, with openness to selfdisclose in peer and community settings.
• Completion or commitment to complete the State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification, including provisional certification within 9 months of hire and ongoing maintenance.
• Participation in training for compliance with state licensing, CMS regulations, and agency requirements.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Electronic Health Records, Microsoft Office, and Outlook email.
• Strong communication skills and ability to establish rapport with diverse groups, including consumers, family members, caregivers, and resource providers.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including occasional evenings.
• Capability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, demonstrating independence and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to professional and ethical conduct, compliance with agency policies, state and federal regulations, and HIPAA standards.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The Peer Support Specialist position is dynamic, requiring both mental agility and a moderate level of physical fitness. This role demands the ability to effectively navigate diverse environments where clients reside and receive services, with a consistent emphasis on safety and client care.

Candidates should be prepared for physical activities including standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. Regular visits to clients' homes, often in older buildings without elevators, may require climbing stairs and moving through tight spaces. Additionally, frequent lifting and carrying of items such as folders, electronics, and other materials for client visits and service coordination is necessary, with some items weighing up to 25 pounds. Regular typing and handling of client materials are essential, necessitating fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

The role also requires acute perceptiveness to be responsive to environmental cues during client interactions and while navigating various settings. Effective communication skills are paramount, both in person and through electronic means, to liaise with clients and service providers.

Travel is a significant aspect of this role, as community engagement and meeting clients in various settings are vital for our support and the success of our program. Peer Support Specialists are required to travel to meetings, training sessions, and client locations. This entails holding a valid driver's license with a good record and being comfortable driving in all New England weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, or fog. Candidates must be prepared to work in the region's unpredictable weather, facing extreme cold, snow, ice in the winter, and heat with humidity in the summer.

Prospective employees are encouraged to carefully consider their ability to meet these demands without risk. The agency is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities where possible.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs