Peer Support Specialist, Behavioral Health

bphccareers; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

BPHCareers in Massachusetts seeks a Peer Support Specialist to serve as a role model in recovery, advocate for clients, and help move individuals from shelters into permanent housing. The role emphasizes relationship-building and coordinating education, services, and housing applications.

Responsibilities include assisting with documents, arranging lease signings, transporting clients to appointments, and supporting SSI/SSDI processes while collaborating with partners and shelter staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or strongly preferred.
• 1 year of experience in a related field desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Help clients regain independence and move from shelter to permanent housing.
• Engage with shelter guests and build rapport to support Behavioral Health services.
• Coordinate and conduct Behavioral Health education classes and events.
• Assist clients with obtaining vital documents (SS cards, IDs, birth certs).
• Arrange housing applications and accompany clients to viewings and lease signings.
• Transport clients to appointments and support access to SSI/SSDI processes.
• Schedule appointments with partners and providers to support housing access.
• Safety support with other staff during outreach and visits.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Computer proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Email

Job description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Peer Support Specialists function as role models to peers, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills to serve as a consumer advocate and provide consumer information and peer support to help clients move out of shelter and into housing. Responsibilities include:

• Perform a wide range of tasks to help clients regain independence within the community, regain mastery over their own recovery process, and move out of shelter into permanent housing.
• Engage and build relationships and rapport with shelter guests, engaging them in Behavioral Health services.
• Coordinate, plan, and conduct Behavioral Health education classes, groups and events.
• Assist clients in applying for and obtaining vital documents—including social security cards, IDs, and birth certificates.
• Assist clients in completing various housing and housing-related applications, including BHA applications.
• Bring MATCH-enrolled clients on apartment viewings and lease signings as needed.
• Transport clients to related appointments, including medical, psychiatric, BHA, RMV, social security office, job fairs, furniture bank , etc.
• Assist clients obtaining any documentation for SSI/SSDI applications.
• Schedule appointments for clients with key partners and providers including the Mayor’s Health Line, community day shelters,
• Assist in locating clients to inform them of key housing events and opportunities.
• Accompany staff on wellness checks and other visits requiring multiple staff for safety reasons.
• Receive certification for peer support from the Department of Mental Health
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Previous participation in Mental Health or Substance Abuse service systems as recipient of service and a willingness to convey this experience is strongly preferred.

1 year of experience in related field desirable.

Valid Mass Driver’s license is strongly preferred.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from different backgrounds.

Computer proficiency –including ability to use Microsoft Word, navigate internet, complete forms online, and send emails.