Peer Specialist

Click the link below to learn how Howard Center helps change lives:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wchi-A_Ks0

Peer Specialist

Provide support services to adults on their recovery journey experiencing mental health challenges through connection and relationship building. A Peer Specialist's approach is guided by personal lived experience with mental health, trauma and/or substance use challenges.  

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct services and support to individuals experiencing difficult situations and/or strong emotions.
• Develop meaningful relationships with individuals with varied experiences and worldviews.
• Strategically share pieces of your own recovery journey to inspire hope.
• Promote self-determination and choice for individuals.
• Support individuals in developing self-advocacy skills.
• Model recovery and sustained wellness.
• Complete agency and program documentation.

Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle
• High School Diploma or GED
• Lived experience with mental health, trauma and/or substance use challenges
• Vermont Peer Support Provider certification (within 1 year of hire)
• Prior completion of Intentional Peer Support Core Training preferred

Structure:

• Full time (Monday through Saturday, daytime and evening hours) 
• Nonexempt
• AFSCME Union (dues will apply) 
• Starting at $21.56/hr
• We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience 

Benefits:

• Accrue 36 days of combined time off per year for full-time employees (and increasing with years of service); pro-rated for positions 16 hours or more
• Comprehensive health insurance with 80% agency-paid premium support for individuals, couples, and families (pro-rated for part time). This Point of Service Plan features no deductible.
• Two Dental options
• Vision Insurance
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Medical & Childcare Flexible Spending Account
• Childcare Stipend
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee referral program with financial payment
• Discounted online undergraduate/graduate courses through Champlain College truED
• Award-winning workplace wellness program including physical fitness groups for staff, financial wellness incentives, and ongoing workplace wellness advocacy and education
• Voluntary benefits from local/international businesses: discounted gym memberships, mobile phone service, ski/snowboard passes, auto/home insurance, and more!
• Employee referral and sign on bonus is subject to Howard Center policy, for both internal and external applicants.

Our Values: Clients are at the heart of our decision making. We are committed to individual and collective well-being and success. We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are steadfast in our practice and pursuit of excellence.

Howard Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency's culture and service delivery is strengthened by the diversity of its workforce. Minorities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE/TTY. Visit "About Us" to review Howard Center's EOE policy.