Impactful Peer Support Advocate

HCRS (Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont); Brattleboro (VT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

HCRS (Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont) seeks Peer Support Advocates to connect with people in emotional distress and guide them toward empowering resources. You will work to foster autonomy and well-being, drawing on lived experience and training, to support individuals within the agency, system, and community.

The role emphasizes mutual support, collaboration with teams, and advocacy in diverse settings, including hospitals and community centers, with training

Qualifications

• Commitment to mutual support, disability justice, anti-racism, and choice.
• Lived experience supporting people in crisis or related contexts.
• Ability to connect with people in emotional distress and work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Connect with and support community members experiencing emotional distress/crisis in the community and/or at a peer support center.
• Provide ongoing one on one support to individuals who want peer support services.
• Support community members in accessing internal and external resources to navigate crises.
• Support the development of mutual support networks and connections.
• Facilitate peer support groups as needed.
• Help maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment in spaces for emotional support.
• Advocate with individuals in various settings, including hospitals and meetings, as needed.
• Participate in data collection and documentation as needed.
• For experienced advocates: provide training and support to staff and community guided by disability justice movements.

Skills

Relational skills

Communication skills

Perspective taking

Handling distress

Team player

Tools

MS Word

Zoom

Slack

Job description

HCRS (Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont) seeks Peer Support Advocates to connect with people in emotional distress and guide them toward empowering resources. You will work to foster autonomy and well-being, drawing on lived experience and training, to support individuals within the agency, system, and community.

The role emphasizes mutual support, collaboration with teams, and advocacy in diverse settings, including hospitals and community centers, with training