Peer Support Specialist

Job Details Job Location: Derby, VT 05855 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $22.10 - $29.90 Hourly If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization operating with the purpose of promoting a high quality, comprehensive community mental health program in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Our mission is to enrich communities and enhance the ability of individuals and families to improve their lives. NKHS is a Designated Agency contracted with the State of Vermont to provide the highest quality of service in the areas of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, children and youth with serious emotional disabilities, and adults with mental health and substance use challenges. We serve the populations of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties through a wide variety of targeted programs for individuals of all ages. NKHS has employees providing case management, community and home supports, residential care, psychiatry, medication management, therapy, vocational supports, school based counseling, emergency care, and respite services. These services are provided annually to nearly 4,000 of our local community members, helping them overcome challenges and achieve health in mind, body, and spirit. Visit us at NKHS.org Check out Life in the NEK of Vermont! Peer Support Supervisor Essential Duties & Responsibilities Peer Role Integrity & Fidelity Ensure peer support services remain non-clinical, voluntary, and relationship-centered, consistent with peer support values and principles. Carry a caseload to support the service provision of peers within the Adult Outpatient Division. Apply national peer support standards, competencies, and practice guidelines to ensure service fidelity, quality, and consistency throughout NKHS. Provide consultation, training, and guidance to support the effective integration of peer support services across the organization. Staff & Organizational Education Promote understanding of the value of lived experience as a tool for engagement, recovery, and resilience. Develop, implement, and maintain onboarding and training materials related to peer support philosophy, practice, and professional standards. Support interdisciplinary teams in effectively integrating and partnering with peer support staff. Serve as a resource to leaders and staff on peer role implementation, role clarity, and best practices. Program Development & Leadership Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices that support and uphold peer support values and role integrity. Participate in program planning, development, evaluation, quality improvement, and strategic initiatives related to peer services. Support the creation and advancement of peer career pathways, including opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and advancement within the organization. Contribute to organizational initiatives that promote recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based care. Advocacy & Systems Change Advocate for the inclusion of peer perspectives in program planning, policy development, and service delivery decisions. Serve as a champion for recovery principles, self-determination, and shared decision-making throughout the organization. Promote equitable access to services and opportunities for meaningful participation in care and recovery planning. Elevate the voice of lived experience in organizational initiatives, program development, and continuous quality improvement efforts. QUALIFICATIONS Required Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or both. Current Peer Support Specialist certification or the ability to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment. Demonstrated experience providing peer support services within behavioral health, recovery, or community-based settings. Preferred Previous experience supervising or leading peer support staff. Training or certification in Intentional Peer Support (IPS) or other recognized peer support models. Experience developing programs, facilitating training, or leading quality improvement and systems-change initiatives. Knowledge of crisis services, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) models, and community-based behavioral health systems. Experience promoting recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered practices across organizations. SALARY & BENEFITS Competitive Salary $22.10 - $29.90 per hour, depending on experience Health and dental insurance. 403b retirement plan with Agency contribution and match. Generous paid time off, 12 sick days and 12 paid holidays. Outstanding employee wellness program Exceptional benefits package including low-cost medical and dental, short-/long-term disability coverages, life insurance, employee assistance program, and additional optional benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr