Peer Specialist

Peer Specialist

Sunrise and Access Hub - Montpelier, VT

Salary Range $21.73 - $22.84 Hourly

Make a Difference Through the Power of Peer Support

Do you believe that lived experience can make a meaningful difference in someone's recovery journey? As a Peer Specialist at Sunrise Wellness Center, you will use your personal understanding of mental health and/or substance use challenges to connect with, encourage, and advocate for adults receiving services.

This position offers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships while helping individuals strengthen daily living skills, manage challenges, develop greater independence, and connect with their communities. Through individual support, group activities, and shared experiences, you will help create a welcoming environment where people feel respected, supported, and empowered.

Summary of Duties

• Provide peer support, encouragement, advocacy, and recovery-oriented guidance to individuals working toward personal goals, greater independence, and stability while navigating mental health, substance use, or housing challenges.
• Facilitate individual and group activities focused on daily living skills, emotional and physical wellness, community connections, workforce development, and access to helpful resources and relationships.
• Support the daily operations of Sunrise Wellness Center, including assisting with the food shelf, gardening activities, and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Provide support at the center, in individuals' homes, and throughout the community, including operating agency vehicles and transporting individuals when needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation, collaborate with individuals receiving services and other team members, participate in staff meetings and professional development, and contribute to coordinated, recovery-focused services.

Compensation and Benefits

WCMHS provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement contribution matching. Our industry-leading paid time off package includes 12.5 flexible holidays and 12 days each of sick and vacation time accumulated in the first year of employment.

The starting pay range for this position is $21.73-$22.74 per hour.

WCMHS supports professional development and encourages employees to pursue Certified Peer Specialist certification.

Summary of Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Must hold a Certified Peer Specialist credential or be willing to pursue and obtain certification.
• Personal lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use is required, along with a commitment to using that experience ethically and constructively to support others in their recovery.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required, with the ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport multiple passengers.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, customer service, and organizational skills, including the ability to multitask, maintain confidentiality, complete required documentation, and work collaboratively with individuals, staff, and community partners.
• Demonstrates respect, empathy, and a commitment to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including people living with mental health conditions, substance use challenges, developmental or intellectual disabilities, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Willingness to learn and apply effective crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills is essential.

Work Conditions

This position involves working in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including Sunrise Wellness Center, office and program spaces, community locations, individuals' homes, and agency or personal vehicles. Responsibilities may include extended periods in a kitchen setting, use of computers and kitchen or gardening equipment, and participation in outdoor activities.

The role requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and maintain reliable attendance. Employees may encounter individuals experiencing challenging behaviors or crisis situations and must be prepared to respond appropriately, including contacting emergency services when necessary. Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable illnesses is possible; appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be used. Safe driving practices and awareness of environmental conditions, including weather, are essential.

Our Commitment to Authentic Applications

We value genuine interest and thoughtful participation in our hiring process. Candidates are expected to personally review this position description and submit their own application. Automated application submissions, mass applications generated without candidate review, and applications submitted without the candidate's knowledge or authorization are not accepted. We reserve the right to verify application information and qualifications throughout the recruitment process.

About Washington County Mental Health Services

For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington, and Williamstown. Our agency is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate services and support to individuals and families throughout our communities.

Our employees play an important role in improving lives, promoting recovery, and strengthening the communities we serve.