Peer Specialist

Advocates; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in Framingham, MA seeks a Peer Specialist to join our Mental Health Division. The role focuses on using lived experience to empower clients, promote self-determination, and integrate recovery narratives into treatment and community activities.

You will collaborate with the care team to ensure the client’s voice informs decisions and services. The position emphasizes outreach to community resources, leading group sessions, and advocating for client preferences in all decision-making

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Sensitivity to the needs of the population.
• Demonstrated understanding of serving culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support services.
• Maintain and distribute information on community resources related to self-help and recovery.
• Coordinate and lead informal groups related to peer support, recovery and resiliency.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team player

Cultural sensitivity

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $20.00/hour

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday 10am-6pm

Peer Specialists are fully integrated team members who provide individualized services to people receiving services from Advocates Mental Health Division. Peer specialists promote client self determination and decision making through the use of their own recovery stories and lived experience. Peer specialists provide expertise and consultation to the entire team to help create a culture in which each client’s point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, honored, validated, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation and community self-help activities.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’rea nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support services.
• Maintain and distribute current information on community resources related to self-help and recovery.
• Coordinate and lead informal groups related to peer support, recovery, resiliency, and resources.
• Advocate for client’s preferences in all decision making arenas.
• Connect and network with other area providers and individuals.
• Develop professional relationships with area providers and communicate regularly to ensure all services and resources are being fully utilized.
• Strictly adhere to Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent degree.
• Must currently be or have previously been a recipient of the Mental Health Systems Services.
• Must apply to Certified Peer Specialist training within 6 months of job offer and attend training when scheduled.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.