We are seeking Peer Support Specialists for our Adult Community Clinical Services Program (ACCS)! As a Peer Specialist for North Suffolk, you’ll build supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning. The Peer Specialist position is designated for a person who has lived experience and wants to help guide others through the recovery process.
Salaries start at $47,500 for non-certified applicants and $51,300 for Certified Peers.
What you’ll do:
- Support persons served through Life and Care transitions, including visiting a hospital or other restrictive setting in order to provide connection and transition planning.
- Help clients establish goals to aid in their recovery
- Educate non-peer staff about self-directed care and how to best support a person through risk and crisis situations.
- Use peer-supported Evidence Based Practices including WRAP, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness exercises, Stages of Change, and others
- Commit to becoming an Agent of Change through presenting regular trainings and periodic in-service trainings for non-peer staff
- Provide support through self-disclosure of one’s own experiences and the tenets of Recovery to develop the skills for self-advocacy
- Facilitate and co-facilitate skill-building, mutually supportive groups, and emphasize the importance of quality of life activities and community membership.
- Actively participate in North Suffolk peer team membership through recovery events
- Seek Continuing Education in the Peer Support field to ensure that best practices are upheld and that emerging evidence is incorporated into the work.
What You’ll Need:
- Education:
- Must possess or be willing/eligible to obtain one of the following Certifications within the first six months of employment: Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) or Family Partner
- Experience:
- Must identify as having Lived Experience of a Mental Health Diagnosis, a Substance Use Addiction, Extreme States, or Trauma that has caused significant life disruption
- Possess a desire to share those experiences in a purposeful and intentional way to influence the mental health system and provide recovery oriented support to those in ACCS services.
- Skills:
- Driver’s license preferred but not required.
- Must be CPR/first aid certified within five months of hire (training provided).
- Bilingual language skills a plus! Spanish and American Sign Language skills needed.
Competitive & Comprehensive Benefits:
- Paid Time Off – Two weeks’ Vacation per year (three weeks after 1 year of service), 12 Sick Days per year, and 11 Paid Holidays per year
- Eligible employer for the PSLF program
- Health & Dental Insurance, with generous employer contribution
- Employer Paid Life Insurance
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan with employer matching
- Voluntary Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Access to Credit Union Banking
- Access to State Tuition Remission Program (Worksite Specific)
- Employee Referral Bonus Program
- Discounted Movie Tickets
- Comprehensive Training Program
- Internal Advancement Opportunities
Skills Required
- Must possess or be willing/eligible to obtain Peer Support Certification
- Must identify as having lived experience of a mental health diagnosis, substance use addiction, or trauma
- CPR/first aid certified within five months of hire
- Bilingual language skills a plus, especially Spanish and American Sign Language
What We Do
Since 1959, North Suffolk Community Services has been on a mission to provide mental health services to individuals, and especially children, in relatively under-served surrounding communities. Today, our staff of 900+ assists families, children and individuals in 4 clinics, 38 residences and 74 programs. North Suffolk Community Services touches the lives of more than 10,000 people a year. To learn more about North Suffolk's services visit, http://northsuffolk.org https://www.facebook.com/NorthSuffolkOrg
