Peer Support Specialist | Worcester

Job Description

Job Description

Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement

Additional Benefits:

• Career Growth Opportunities
• Culturally Diverse population
• Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Work Location: Worcester, Ma.

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

Support and Stabilization (S&S) provides services to families that receives support from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), with the intent of strengthen parenting capacity, improvement of family dynamics, ensure children safety, prevent out-of-home placement and assist for a successful reunification process.
FSS assists families learning and getting connected to appropriate community services, including mental health and substance use programs for all members of the family. S&S has two models that requires a Peer Support Specialist to work on prevention of child maltreatment/neglect, to promote family functioning, and support the individual’s recovery journey from substance use when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote a balance between the lived experience and caregiver’s needs
• Use a humility approach, recognizing similar experiences will not mean experiences are identical
• Be able to set professional boundaries, defining role and clarifying both the benefits and limits of the relationship.
• Have the ability to nurture hole and positive changes
• Understand the importance of self-care, and how staff burnout can affect the service provided.

Travel Requirements:

• Statewide travel is required for meetings, trainings and conferences.
• Occasionally there may be trips to other New England states for annual conferences or trainings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Embrace and work in a culturally and linguistically diverse recovery community
• Support all paths to recovery and have a minimum of 2 years of solid recovery or have lived experience as an individual affected by substance abuse in the family
• Have a comprehensive understanding of substance addiction and recovery
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Have a valid driver’s license and own a vehicle
• Have strong interpersonal boundaries
• Have better than average experience using a computer and required software
• Have experience and knowledge of Cape Cod and The Islands community, its organizations and service providers

The Gandara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.