Peer Support Specialist

Advocacy Unlimited., Inc.; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Sick time accrual

Insurance benefits for full-time equivalent staff

Continuous training and development opportunities

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Connecticut is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide compassionate support to individuals with mental health challenges. The role involves offering personalized guidance, advocating for community resources, and helping clients develop coping skills. Candidates should have personal experience in recovery and relevant certifications. The position offers a competitive pay rate of $22 per hour along with additional benefits such as mileage reimbursement and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery is required.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one support to individuals with mental health challenges.
• Advocate for individuals to access community resources and services.
• Record all peer support activities and progress in client records.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of community resources

Ability to work independently

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field

Certification as a Peer Support Specialist

Job description

Purpose:

Change Incorporated is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Peer Support Specialists. This position offers a competitive hourly rate, various benefits, and incentives.

Job Summary:

As a Peer Support Specialist, you play a vital role in supporting individuals throughout their recovery journey. Drawing from lived experience, you provide personalized support, encouragement, and advocacy to help clients achieve lasting wellness and stability.

In this position, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where clients can thrive and regain independence. You will assist individuals in developing coping skills, accessing community resources, and building confidence in their recovery.

This is a salaried hourly position with a pay rate of $22 per hour, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting others on their path to wellness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one‑on‑one support to individuals with mental health challenges, helping them set and achieve their recovery goals.
• Advocate for individuals with mental health challenges to access community resources and services.
• Demonstrate the potential for recovery and wellness by acting as a role model.
• Ensure confidentiality and follow ethical standards in all peer support interactions.
• Record all peer support activities and progress in client records.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide coaching and support related to continued use of recovery skills, involvement in community activities, personal hygiene, vocational/educational activities, self‑advocacy, natural supports, and resource finding.
• Assist clients in avoiding behaviors that may lead to a psychiatric crisis, risky behaviors, substance abuse, overspending, and unnecessary conflict.
• Use your lived experience to mentor and guide individuals in recovery from serious mental illness and/or substance use.
• Connect individuals with recovery communities, treatment programs, and essential services (housing, healthcare, benefits).
• Participate in training, staff meetings, and regular supervision to maintain coaching quality and growth.

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Sick time accrual
• Insurance benefits for full‑time equivalent staff
• Continuous training and development opportunities

Company Culture:

Change Incorporated values integrity, compassion, collaboration, and empowerment in all aspects of our work. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where our team members can grow professionally and make a positive impact on our clients’ lives.

Qualifications:

The candidate must have personal experience with mental health challenges and recovery.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of community resources and services for individuals with mental health challenges is necessary.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.