Peer Support Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan options

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is hiring Peer Support Specialists to assist caregivers and transition-age youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Role involves social/emotional support, resource guidance, and navigation during transition to adulthood.

Candidates must have lived experience or be a caregiver, be fluent in English, and be available in late afternoons/evenings; a high school diploma is required. Pay is $30.00 per hour with retirement plan options available.

Qualifications

• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• Lived experience as an individual with a neurodevelopmental disability or a caregiver of a transition-age youth with a neurodevelopmental disability; availability in late afternoon and evenings at least 1 day/week; access to tablet/computer with a working webcam; reliable access to WiFi; fluent in speaking and understanding English.
• Preferred: background in education, social work, psychology or related fields; knowledge of MN disability service systems.

Responsibilities

• Co-facilitate group sessions (40%).
• Provide individual/small group peer support meetings for caregivers.
• Assist caregivers with transition planning supports.
• Assist with person-centered planning activities for transition to adulthood.

Skills

Lived experience with neurodevelopment

English fluency

Evenings availability

Tech access (tablet/computer)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Job

The Peer Support Specialists will report to Dr. Rebekah Hudock. Peer Support Specialists with lived experience as young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities and/or caregivers of transition-age youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities will be hired to provide peer support to caregiver participants in the form of social or emotional support, resource guidance, or transition navigation support.

Job Duties

Activities may include:

• 40% co-facilitating group sessions
• 20% providing individual and/or small group peer support meetings with caregivers assisting in creating/locating/providing individualized resources for families
• 15% assisting caregivers with other transition planning supports
• 25% assist with person-centered planning activities to help participants and their youth prepare for the transition to adulthood

Work Location

MIDB 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis 55414

Qualifications

Required:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent
• Lived experience as an individual with a neurodevelopmental disability or a caregiver of a transition-age youth (ages 14-22) with a neurodevelopmental disability; availability in late afternoon and evenings at least 1 day/week; access to tablet/computer with a working webcam; reliable access to WiFi; fluent in speaking and understanding English.

Preferred:

• Background or experience as an educator, special educator, social worker, psychologist, school psychologist, therapist, or a related field; knowledge of MN disability service systems (e.g., vocational rehabilitation services, special education transition planning, county/state disability supports (waivers, PCA, etc.).

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30.00 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.