Peer Support Specialist

CONTEXTAre you passionate about empowering individuals on their recovery and reentry journeys? Can you use your experience to foster resilience, hope, and personal growth in others? Do you believe in the transformative power of peer support and community connection? Are you committed to guiding others through challenges, building trust, and providing empathetic mentorship? If so, Arise Collective is looking for you! Arise Collective is a unique organization operating at the nexus of prison chaplaincy, womens issues, and social justice with a mission to equip women with the tools and support they need to heal, grow and thrive, both in prison and in the communities to which they return. The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020 and expanded programming with a new reentry model that provides comprehensive, holistic wraparound services for formerly incarcerated women, including housing and access to education and employment opportunities. Arise Collectives work is offered using a trauma-informed, evidence-based, holistic lens. Visit arise-collective.org to learn more. JOB SUMMARYArise Collective seeks a dedicated Peer Support Specialist to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent support to individuals navigating reentry and recovery. This role utilizes evidence-based practices to build trust, encourage personal responsibility, and foster resilience. The Peer Support Specialist will mentor, advocate, and empower participants through guidance and community engagement.In collaboration with the Care Coordinator, the Peer Support Specialist will assist individuals in developing life skills, overcoming challenges, and accessing resources. The ideal candidate is compassionate, resourceful, and skilled at maintaining professional boundaries while supporting participants on their journey to heal, grow, and thrive.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 85% Guide, coach, and encourage program participants to take responsibility for and actively participate in their reentry process and recovery. Assist participants with self-agency and decision-making, wellness, recovery, problem-solving, and life skills using recovery and trauma-informed tools. Model recovery values, attitudes, beliefs, and personal action to encourage hope, personal responsibility, and resilience. This may include participation in recovery activities such as eating together, attending or participating in support groups, and social events. Promote self-advocacy; support and empower participants to exercise their legal rights within the community. Implement culturally competent skill-building interventions related to: Socialization, relational, and coping skills Self-management, self-regulation, and monitoring of trauma and recovery symptoms Behavior and anger management skills Share lived experiences to provide encouragement and reduce stigma around reentry and recovery. Facilitate peer support groups and workshops focused on recovery, self-care, and reintegration. Encourage and assist participants in identifying and engaging in positive community-based activities. Help participants navigate challenges by offering practical advice and emotional support based on lived experience. Serve as a bridge between participants and professional service providers, helping to build trust and rapport. Serve as a supportive peer by accompanying participants to appointments, court hearings, and community services - including assisting with transportation as needed. Educate community members and stakeholders on the importance of peer support in the reentry process.GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 15% Attend weekly supervision and weekly direct-service-related and/or para-professional supervision. Attend weekly team and partner meetings as well as weekly/bi-weekly individual supervision; and other partner meetings as necessary. Attend staff and board meetings and retreats. Participate in opportunities to educate and advocate for increased awareness of the issues surrounding womens incarceration and incarceration in general. Participate in organizational evaluations. Other responsibilities and special projects, as needed.SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTESThe Peer Support Specialist must demonstrate a passion for and willingness to support Arise Collectives mission, vision, values, and work and possess the following, including: Inclusive, empathetic worldview and demonstrated skill working across lines of difference. High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of Certified Peer Support training program; at least three years of successful experience working as a Peer Support Specialist preferred; active commitment to ones own personal recovery. Ability to teach/train recovery information and recovery tools; experience with motivational interviewing a plus. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Solid organization skills, accuracy, and ability to successfully manage multiple and sometimes competing projects, tasks, and deadlines. A personal commitment to excellence and strong attention to detail and accuracy. Basic computer skills and ability to use MS Office Suite, databases, and online systems. Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a broad range of individuals in a professional and pleasant manner; excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude. Valid North Carolina drivers license with a safe driving record.DESIRED QUALITIES Lived experience in the North Carolina criminal justice system and with mental health and/or substance use services. Strong work ethic, a high degree of patience, and grit to push through difficult challenges. The ability to work within a team and to lead, coach, inspire, support, and motivate others. Adaptability, and an ability to remain poised under pressure. Systems-oriented thinking and an ability to understand, create, and implement complex processes. Strong time and task management (i.e., ability to plan, schedule, and execute). Sound judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills. Willingness to extend kindness, compassion, and accountability to oneself and others. The desire and humility to learn and grow both personally and professionally.PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS This position will work closely with the organizations program staff and interact regularly with other staff and volunteers. Will have substantial contact with participants, their families and significant others, program partners, community treatment providers, community corrections (probation and parole), the faith community, and others in service provision.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations, as well as the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and occasionally manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye-foot coordination; arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp; visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read information; use of auditory senses; and ability to perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, standard measurements). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.WORK REQUIREMENTSThis hybrid position involves both on-site and off-site work, primarily providing services at the organizations community space and within the community to help participants overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The work schedule is flexible, with hours to be determined based on part-time availability. Travel to clients and occasional but regular evenings and weekends are required. The impact of actions is great in this position with potential harm to participant safety and well-being.JOB TYPE: Mid-level non-exempt, full-time position.SALARY RANGE: $22 to $24 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package includes medical, dental and vision benefits, retirement plan, pre-tax benefits, paid time and leave, professional development opportunities, and other organizational benefits. APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply, submit a cover letter and resume. The position will remain open until filled; early applications are encouraged. No calls, please. Arise Collective is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by law. Formerly incarcerated, justice-involved, or justice-impacted individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
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