Peer Specialist-MCI

Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network, Inc. is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to join the Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) team in Western Massachusetts. The role focuses on recovery-oriented support and empowerment of individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Qualified candidates include those with lived recovery experience, a high school diploma, and peer certification (or ability to obtain within 9 months). Driving access and willingness to share recovery stories are valued assets.

Qualifications

• Lived experience of a psychiatric diagnosis, extreme emotional states, and/or trauma.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Peer Specialist Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 9 months of hire.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation required.
• At least 1 year in recovery preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural in English and American Sign Language or Spanish a plus but not required.
• Ability to advocate and empower individuals to take leadership in their own recovery.
• Willingness to share your recovery story in an open and skillful manner.
• Safe, approachable, nonjudgmental demeanor, including under pressure.
• Self-aware, with the ability to take responsibility for mistakes, successes, weaknesses, and strengths.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals' progress toward mental health recovery and self-determined lives by sharing lived experience and real-life examples of recovery.
• Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness by sharing your personal recovery story and tools.
• Inspire hope that people can recover, walking alongside individuals on their recovery journeys.
• Dispel myths about mental health conditions and recovery.
• Provide self-help education and connect individuals to helpful tools and community resources.
• Assist individuals in identifying goals and create a roadmap to achieve them.
• Support individuals experiencing emotional distress through active listening and presence.
• Share information about community resources, including peer-run groups, housing and benefits resources.
• Offer support and advocacy in treatment or other community settings, upon request.

Skills

Lived experience

Empathy

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has helped individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care and support. With deep roots in Western Massachusetts and a growing presence in communities throughout the state, we are currently seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to join our Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) team and help advance our mission of empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What We Offer:

• Purpose-Driven Work - Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Professional Growth - Access ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities across one of the region's largest behavioral health organizations.
• Supportive Team Culture - Join a collaborative workplace guided by our HEART values: Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Stability & Opportunity - Build your career with a well-established organization serving Western Massachusetts since 1938.
• Comprehensive Benefits - Generous PTO, 403(b), educational assistance, medical, dental, vision, employee assistance programs, and more.
• Certified Great Place to Work - Work for an organization recognized for creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

What You Will Do:

• Support individuals' progress toward mental health recovery and self-determined lives by sharing lived experience and real-life examples of the power of recovery.
• Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness by sharing your personal recovery story, along with tools and strategies that support recovery.
• Inspire hope that people can and do recover, walking alongside individuals on their mental health recovery journeys.
• Dispel myths about mental health conditions and recovery.
• Provide self-help education and connect individuals to helpful tools and community resources.
• Support individuals in identifying their goals, hopes, and dreams, and help create a roadmap for achieving them.
• Support individuals experiencing emotional distress through active listening and presence.
• Share information about community resources, including peer-run groups, housing and benefits resources, and community events.
• Offer support and advocacy in treatment or other community settings, upon request of the individual served.

Who You Are:

• Lived experience of a psychiatric diagnosis, extreme emotional states, and/or trauma required.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Peer Specialist Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 9 months of hire, required.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation required.
• At least 1 year in recovery preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural in English and American Sign Language or Spanish a plus but not required.
• Ability to act as an advocate and empower individuals to take leadership in their own recovery.
• Ability and willingness to share your own recovery story in an open and skillful manner.
• Safe, approachable, nonjudgmental demeanor, including under pressure.
• Self-aware, with the ability to take responsibility for mistakes, successes, weaknesses, and strengths.

If you're ready to bring your skills and experience to a mission-driven organization where your work can make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay Range: $21.50-$24.00/hr