Peer Support Specialist
As a Peer Support Staff member, you provide meaningful, recovery-oriented support to individuals staying in a respite bed as part of WCMHS’s Community Support Program. Drawing on lived experience and a peer-based approach, you help create a welcoming, supportive environment where guests feel understood, respected, and empowered. Your presence supports stabilization, connection, and hope during a critical time, while reinforcing independence and recovery.
Summary of Duties
- Provide one-on-one peer support to guests during their respite stay, promoting self-advocacy, wellness, and recovery
- Support guests with daily routines and activities in a respectful, non-clinical manner
- Complete required documentation and program-related paperwork accurately and on time
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment within the respite setting
- Carry out basic housekeeping and daily program tasks as assigned
- Communicate effectively with on-call supervisors and follow program guidelines
- Participate in required trainings, meetings, and team activities
Compensation and Benefits
WCMHS provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and a generous paid time off package including flexible holidays and 12 vacation days in year one.
The pay range for this position is $19.06 - $19.84 per hour.
QualificationsSummary of Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Lived experience with mental health challenges is required and central to the role
- Prior experience in mental health, peer support, or human services preferred
- Strong communication and written documentation skills
- Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate boundaries and professionalism
- Basic computer skills and comfort completing electronic or written records
- Ability to deliver services and complete treatment notes in English
Work Environment
This role is based in a respite setting and involves working independently with guests, with support available from an on-call supervisor. Peer Support Staff are active throughout the space, responding to guest needs, completing daily responsibilities, and ensuring a calm, supportive environment. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as staff collaborate with the broader team to ensure consistent coverage and continuity of care.
About the Agency
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. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment to individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”
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Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Lived experience with mental health challenges
- Prior experience in mental health, peer support, or human services
- Strong communication and written documentation skills
- Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate boundaries and professionalism
- Basic computer skills and comfort completing electronic or written records
- Ability to deliver services and complete treatment notes in English
What We Do
Washington County Mental Health Services is a non-profit, comprehensive Community Mental Health Agency serving the Washington County region of Vermont. Its mission is to advocate for the inclusion of all persons into the community and actively encourage self-determination, resilience, and recovery by serving individuals and families coping with mental health and developmental disability-related challenges through specialized treatment, support, and advocacy services.
