Peer Specialist-MCI

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN); Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

403(b)

Educational assistance

Medical, dental, vision

Employee assistance programs

Great Place to Work recognition

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) in Massachusetts is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to join our Mobile Crisis Intervention team and help empower individuals toward recovery.

You will share lived experience, provide self-help education, and advocate while supporting people on their recovery journeys in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way.

We offer HEART values, generous PTO, benefits, and growth opportunities with a pay range of $21.50-$24.00/hr.

Qualifications

• Lived experience of a psychiatric diagnosis and/or trauma required.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Peer Specialist Certification or ability to obtain within 9 months of hire.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• At least 1 year in recovery preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals' progress toward mental health recovery and self-determined lives by sharing lived experience.
• Model personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness using your recovery story.
• Inspire hope and walk with individuals on their recovery journeys.
• Dispel myths about mental health conditions and recovery.
• Provide self-help education and connect to resources.
• Help identify goals and create a roadmap to achieve them.
• Support individuals experiencing emotional distress through active listening.
• Share information about community resources and peer groups.
• Offer advocacy in treatment or community settings upon request.

Skills

Lived experience

Advocacy

Active listening

Nonjudgmental

Self-awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Peer Specialist Certification

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.

We Hire for HEART! Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care, building deep roots in Western Massachusetts while expanding our impact in communities throughout the state. Our core values—Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—guide how we lead, serve, and support one another. 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