Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) works within the Portland Peer Center team to offer one-to-one and group peer support, harm reduction services, and community navigation for Center participants, while supporting the community in attendance with developing and upholding a Center that is welcoming, low-barrier, and supportive of the diverse recovery paths and needs of each individual. The PSS has lived experience of challenges related to mental health/substance use, along with a commitment to the thoughtful and intentional support of our community members who are impacted by issues such as homelessness, generational poverty, legal system involvement, and complex trauma.

Responsibilities

• Develop Peer Support-defined relationships with participants of the program.
• Facilitate/co-facilitate structured groups for participants of the program, as determined by participants’ interests.
• Serve as a link to natural support and community resources.
• Support participants by linking to needed resources and programs.
• Help carry out outreach and engagement activities, as needed.
• Promote participant-defined recovery/wellness and resilience.
• Model strength-based approaches and share experiences.
• Provide harm-reduction services and support, as determined by participants’ needs.
• Provide Community Overdose Prevention Trainings and Naloxone distribution.
• Fulfill documentation expectations.

Education & Experience

• Valid Driver’s License and personal vehicle for work use. -Required
• State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) – Preferred
• Recovery Coach Credential – Preferred
• A personal history related to mental health/substance use challenges, and a wellness or change story that guides peer relationships. - Preferred

Certification & Licensure

• Completion of, or ability to complete, State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification. Required within 12 months of hire date.
• Attainment of Recovery Coach credential. Required within 12 months of hire date.

Role Presence

This position requires an onsite presence, with an expectation of weekly in-office hours, and attendance of in-person and remote meetings on occasion.

Requirements

• Good communication skills and an ability to maintain positive relationships. A willingness to further develop communication skills (i.e., written, verbal, and electronic).
• Good communication skills and an ability to maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Willingness to further develop communication skills (i.e., written, verbal, and computer.)
• Demonstrated commitment to continual personal and professional learning and growth.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to attend and complete any assigned training, meetings, and learning opportunities.
• Compliance with all agency, state, and department rules and regulations.

Working Environment

This position requires working with individuals who may be under the influence of substances, exhibiting mental health symptoms, or present challenging behaviors. Medical and other emergencies may occur in the working environments, including substance overdoses, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, physical and/or verbal violence; when such events occur contacting emergency services for assistance is essential and required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Opportunity Employer

Commonspace is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability status, protected military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to work onsite/in-person Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM?

Experience:

• Recovery Coaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Intentional Peer Support: 1 year (Preferred)
• Personal Recovery: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) (Preferred)
• Recovery Coach Credential (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Portland, ME (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19