Peer Support Specialist

Open Sky Community Services; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supervision & Training

Generous PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

403b with Employer Match

Life Insurance

Public Student Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Open Sky Community Services in Massachusetts is hiring an ASD Peer Support Specialist to help adults with ASD live independently in the community. The role emphasizes person-centered supports, supervision, and collaboration with teams funded by the Department of Developmental Services.

The position requires personal ASD experience, a valid driver’s license, and a commitment to ethical peer support and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent is required.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Personal living experience with ASD.
• Willingness to learn and openness to new opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assist peers in using identified strengths and interests to develop, implement, and monitor interventions and personal goals.
• Conduct 1:1 and group activities to increase readiness to engage in the community and access services.
• Facilitate development of valued community roles, including groups, employment, or volunteering.
• Support development of skills such as stress management, advocacy, decision making, and goal planning.

Skills

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Open to new opportunities

ASD lived experience

Education

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The DD Division is committed to helping people maintain their independence in the community – to live a life that isn’t defined by their ASD diagnosis. We meet individuals where they are at; in settings and spaces where they feel safe and comfortable. ASD Clinical Services Team is a group of human services professionals that provides treatment of adults with an ASD diagnosis. The goal of the program is to work collaboratively with individuals in developing skills that allow them to live independently and successfully in the community. This program is funded by the Department of Developmental Services.

ASD Peer Support Specialists have personal experience living with ASD and are able to use their own experiences to support others who are diagnosed with ASD in identifying and engaging with supports, resources, and communities that align with their vision for their life. This position requires additional training, support, and supervision specific to providing peer support services in alignment with a code of ethics.

Other Key Responsibilities

• Assist peers in using identified strengths and interests to develop, implement, and monitor interventions and personal goals. Assist peers in identifying individual strengths and interests.
• Conduct both 1:1 and group activities geared toward increasing people’s readiness to engage in their local community and or beneficial services.
• Facilitate and encourage the development of valued community roles, including group memberships, employment, or volunteer experiences.
• Support the development and maintenance of key skills, including stress management, advocacy, decision making, and goal planning.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, required.
• Valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation and acceptable driving record.
• Reliability, willingness to learn, and being open to new opportunities.
• Personal living experience with ASD.

Pay Range

$22.07/Hr. - $24.81/Hr.

About Us

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity, and justice for ALL.

At Open Sky, you’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact our communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture that is focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives.

Open Sky is proud to be an industry leader in pay and benefits. Open the Door to Possibility and begin your career with Open Sky today!

Benefits Of Working For Open Sky Include

• Excellent Supervision (Individual and Group), Professional Development, and Training Opportunities
• Generous paid time off plan – you start with 29 days (almost 6 weeks!) in your first year, including 12 paid holidays. Increases to 32 days in your 2nd year, and the current maximum is 43 days (OVER 8 WEEKS!)
• We pay for your higher education! Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and reimbursement for a variety of Human Services certifications.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Prescription Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life Insurance (100% Employer-Paid)
• Eligible employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• And more!

Open Sky celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran, or disabled Veteran status.