Peer Supporter JR # 393

Job Title: Peer Supporter

Location: Project Return Peer Support Network

Reports to: Senior Program Manager

Hours: Part-time, M – F, 15 hours per week (flexible work schedule, to include some weekends and holidays)

Pay Rate: $12 per hour

FSLA:  Non-Exempt

Typical Tasks: Please note that this is only a brief, general outline of the position, and is not intended as a complete job description.  Other tasks and duties may be assigned. MHA will provide reasonable work accommodation to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position nor cause undue hardship on the Association’s operations. MHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider.

Qualifications:  Works actively within a multi-disciplinary team environment to develop and deliver peer-to-peer and self-help opportunities and services for clients as identified, needed or requested.  Work activities may include any or all of the following: 

• Participation with the team to assist in the development of a Wellness Service Plan(s) for clients, especially those plans that will contain involvement with a peer-support or self-help component.  Works actively with the team to develop strategies for outreach to members who tend to isolate themselves.
• Provide supportive assistance to, and the modeling of self-advocacy with the member to help him/her obtain and keep housing, health care benefits, SSI entitlements, etc.
• Provide supportive assistance to, and the modeling of self-advocacy with the member to help him/her research and access needed and desired community resources.
• Provide support to members with the acquisition of basic skills in activities of daily living [hygiene, meal preparation, home care, medication management, other self-care, public transportation access/travel training, etc].
• Research, develop, plan, coordinate and/or offer structured workshops [i.e., WRAP, Recovery], peer support and self-help groups, wellness activities, employment or education support activities, recreation activities and/or social outings that reflect the members needs, interests and desires.  Coaches and supports peer clients to research, offer, plan and lead these activities for themselves and others.
• Works cooperatively with others to assure the smooth and seamless delivery of comprehensive services to members.  Attends required trainings and meetings and participates actively in the community life of the worksite.

Education & Experience Matrix: 

EDUCATION	EXPERIENCE
HS diploma or GED highly preferred but not required	Position is reserved for an individual who has personally lived an experience of psychiatric disability and/or mental illness.

Other Position Requirements:

• Must be bilingual, English/Spanish (written & verbal)
• Some significant classroom training OR demonstrated work experience in peer support, peer advocacy or self-help.
• Ability to relate positively and enthusiastically to a wide variety of people
• Demonstrated good basic English reading and writing skills.
• Demonstrated basic computer/word processing skills.
• Flexible work schedule to include occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Must know or quickly acquire extensive knowledge of local community resources.
• Must be flexible to work when clubs are meeting or general PRPSN activities are taking place, including some weekends and holidays.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be ensured by MHA liability insurance are conditions of employment.

How to Apply: Email Resume to jobs@mhala.org. EOE. Please reference Peer Supporter JR # 393 in subject line. Please submit cover letter and resume as an attachment in Word Document or PDF format only.