Peer Specialist (Mental Health Services)

The ACCS Peer Specialist promotes the engagement, hope, and full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Provides Peer Support Services; helps PS explore their options and gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to succeed in goals. Responsibilities Implements Peer Support-oriented Treatment Plan interventions with PS. Shares personal experiences; provides support, education, and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions, such as discharge from a hospital or detoxification unit, moving to an apartment, or facing life stage challenges, particularly for young adults and elders. Engages PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self‑learning. Assists PS in linking to other community services and building Recovery and support networks outside the service system—both actual and electronic, including services and networks for people with co‑occurring disorders and recovery support groups. Facilitates Peer Support groups and connects PS with psychiatric and substance‑use recovery tools and resources. Provides information and training on recovery and self‑management plans and strategies, including facilitating the PSs completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group. Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS, maintaining close contact with PS who struggle with engagement in ACCS. Promotes access to healthcare and employment services for PS. Promotes safe housing, community tenure, greater self‑sufficiency, and successful completion of services for all PS. Helps maximize choices available to PS and their self‑determination by participating in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services. Assists PS in strengthening relationships with chosen family and friends. Helps PS develop self‑advocacy skills, individually or in groups. Provides ongoing problem solving, skill training, and side‑by‑side support to improve PSs daily living skills and abilities; models effective coping techniques and self‑help strategies. Teaches and consults with ACCS staff to reinforce understanding of recovery, person‑centered language, and the perspectives of Persons Served, using processes and strategies conducive to recovery. Uses recovery‑oriented, person‑centered, motivational interviewing, harm‑reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); trauma‑informed, culturally competent, and strengths‑based approaches to help PS think through their current life circumstances compared to their hopes and plans for the future. Visits all GLE and SIE settings regularly to provide Peer Support. Facilitates Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) groups. Engages as a member of the Peer Specialist Community of Practice Workgroup for continuous role competency development and learning. Completes any needed documentation only in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist training standards. Performs other related duties, as assigned. Important Job Exceptions: All Peer Specialists may not be involved with or trained in Medial Administration Program (MAP); perform any duties related to a PS Representative Payee ship, and any documentation performed must be in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards. Knowledge and Skills Willing to use and share personal experiences of the recovery process, wellness management, and the commitment required for PS to have a satisfying life in the community. Strong commitment to the rights and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive necessary resources in their chosen community. Knowledge of Peer Support and applicable Codes of Ethics standards and practices. Knowledge of person‑centered, strengths‑based, recovery‑oriented values, principles, and modalities. Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards. Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with persons served by ACCS. Commitment to maintain confidentiality of persons served. Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques. Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of persons served. Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques. Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of persons served. Knowledge of community resources. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. About Vinfen Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community‑based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self‑determination of the people we serve. Vinfen’s 3,200 dedicated employees provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. My Vinfen. My Community. My Job. Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Qualifications Personal, first‑hand experience—as a recipient of the mental health system—rather than merely knowing someone who had such experience. Certificate of completion as a Certified Peer Specialist or attainment of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery “Recovery Coach Academy” certificate within 6 months of hire. High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Preferred / Required Education A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. In some cases, experience may substitute for academic training. Driving Requirements Driving is required. Incumbents must use either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. Personal vehicle drivers must possess and maintain adequate insurance, a safe driving record (subject to annual checks), and a valid driver’s license. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have maintained a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months, and pass a driver’s screening background check. Physical Effort Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, or climb; lift at least 25 pounds with proper technique or a two‑person lift; operate a computer and other office equipment; sit, reach, and maneuver through narrow spaces; assist PS with tasks of daily living; remain stationary 50% of the time as needed; speak, hear, and communicate effectively; meet specified vision requirements. Additional Certifications Required CPR required within two weeks of hire; First Aid required within two weeks of hire. Required Credentials / Licenses Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 12 months of hire. Pay Range USD $23.33 per hour. #J-18808-Ljbffr