Peer Support Specialist

Description

The IC: Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included.

Getting to know us:

The Independence Center is the local home of civil rights for people with disabilities. Working with individuals, their families, and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive. We are not an assisted living center; instead, our organization provides information, resources, and support to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals.

Why YOU are a good fit:

Do you find purpose in helping those you serve to create meaningful lives through activities and classes? Are you proud to serve, support, and encourage individuals with disabilities? Are you great at leading activities and forming relationships with those in attendance? Then this could be the role for you! We are looking for individuals who can actively listen, show empathy, have a willingness to provide ongoing support, and work through individual lived experiences.

What makes us one of the Gazette’s “Best Places to Work” every year:

Want to make a meaningful difference in our community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance? The IC offers a fun, casual and supportive work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits including:

• Flexible Fridays
• Paid sick and frontload PTO
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional medical, dental, vision coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Requirements

What you bring to the table:

The Peer Support Specialist uses what they have acquired from their own life experiences to support peers and build trust. The Peer Support Specialist walks alongside a peer as they identify their hopes, dreams, goals, and helps create self-empowerment strategies. Duties include the following activities: facilitating peer support groups, working one on one with consumers, providing information about disability-related issues to community groups and organizations, and facilitating educational workshops.

Individuals with a desire to work alongside people with disabilities, make a significant contribution to the independent living movement and work with terrific teammates. You’re passionate, excited about making a meaningful impact, and ready to join an organization that leans into the challenges of educating our community about the importance of equal rights and empowerment for people with disabilities.

Specifically:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.
• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Extraordinary customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.
• Takes responsibility for high-quality work.
• Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.
• Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.
• Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.
• Ensure the philosophy, mission and goals of the Independent Living Program are maintained. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maintain a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and cross-disability perspectives, ensuring all coworkers and service users feel known, valued, and included.
• Coordinates and facilitates support groups, classes, and one-to-one mentoring sessions by meeting with consumers on the phone, in person, or by email/web contact.
• Responsible for the development and establishment of new peer support groups. This role involves planning, organizing, and implementing strategies to create supportive environments where individuals can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
• Maintains a respectful atmosphere during group sessions. Utilizing de-escalation techniques to manage conflicts, ensuring a safe and productive environment for all participants.
• Responsible for completing all required documentation, reporting, and monitoring responsibilities. Documentation may include sign-in sheets, intake packets, and other forms as needed.
• Responsible for entering services into the database to meet State regulatory requirements in a timely manner as needed or requested. 
• Responsible for following the IC vehicle policy and driving employees to off-site appointments as requested. 
• Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership.
• Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential for maintaining operations efficiency, contributing to your team, and fostering a positive work environment.
• This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

• Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 
• Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

We are accessible, inclusive, and awesome – here’s why:

The Independence Center is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate any employee engaging in unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any employee or applicant because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, pregnancy status, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, spousal or civil union status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The IC will not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.

* This position will be closed on 1/20/2025

Salary : $21 - $27