Great opportunity exists for a Peer Specialist in our Intensive Community Support - Respite program! This program is available to adults referred by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) who have lost their housing, are experiencing a need for increased support, or are transitioning back into the community from a hospital setting. The open, six (6) bed residential unit provides clients with stability as they connect with the resources and services needed to achieve independent living. The Respite Peer Specialist will be part of a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of professionals which includes Nurses, Caseworkers, Mental Health Workers, and Master level Clinicians.

**Responsibilities include: **

• Provides peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer

• Validate clients’ experiences and to provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery

• Carry out rehabilitation and support functions and assist in treatment

• Provides education, support, and consultation to families

• Provides crisis intervention under the clinical supervision of staff with professional degrees

• Provide mentor and outreach services to Respite clients

**Schedule: **

Part time - Weekend evening shifts and one weekday evening shift (20 hours/week)

Hourly Rate: $17.50

Required Skills

• Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential
• Bilingual skills and/or experience with multicultural populations preferred

Required Experience

• Current or previous experience as a consumer of mental health services required
• May have related training (certified occupational therapy assistant, home health care aide) or work experience (teaching) and life experience.
• A valid driver’s license, access to personal vehicle and a safe driving record for transporting clients required
• Successfully complete Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire required

Aspire Health Alliance is committed to and passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate, support and promote diversity of thought, culture, and backgrounds. As an employer committed to equal opportunity, we base all employment decisions on each individual’s capabilities and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. Aspire Health Alliance strives to fully reflect the clients and communities we serve and believes that a diversity of interests and cultures leads to a stronger and more innovative organization.

• Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential
• Bilingual skills and/or experience with multicultural populations preferred