• Supports implementation of interventions outlined in person served' s Respite Community Support Plan
• Provides support, education and advocacy to PS, especially at times of service and life transitions; for example: being discharged from a hospital, detoxification unit or respite setting, moving to their own apartment, or when facing life stage challenges -- particularly for young adults and elders.
• Engages PS in non-directive and supportive relationships that promote empowerment and self-learning.
• Assists PS in linking to other community services and Recovery networks -- both actual and electronic.
• Facilitates Peer Support groups. Provides access to recovery tools and resources for PS. Connects PS with both psychiatric conditions and substance misuse/addiction to Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Groups.
• Provides information and training on recovery and self-management plans and strategies -- including facilitating the PSs completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) individually or in a group.
• Promotes initial and sustained engagement of PS. Maintains close contact with PS who struggle with initial or sustained engagement in Respite services.
• Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Promotes engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
• Helps maximize choices available to PS as well as their self-determination and participation and decision-making in the planning, delivery and evaluation of their treatment, care coordination, and support services.
• Assists PS in strengthening relationships with family and friends. Provide direct support to families.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.
• Important job exceptions: All Peer Specialists may not be involved with or trained in Medication Administration Program (MAP); perform any duties related to a PS Representative Payeeship, and any documentation performed must be in accordance with Certified Peer Specialist and other applicable Codes of Ethics standards.

Why Vinfen?

We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and job security!

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for employees working 30 hours or more
• 15 days of Vacation, 12 Paid Holidays, 10 Sick Days and 3 Personal Days per year (for employees scheduled for 20 hours or more)
• Education Assistance and Tuition Remission Programs as well as innovative Student Loan Payment Programs. Employment with Vinfen counts toward your Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Professional Development programs including year-round online training courses and opportunities to earn CEUs
• Retirement savings programs, including a fully funded, employer sponsored retirement plan and an employee funded 403 (b) plan
• Company paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Term, Whole Life, Accident and Critical Care Insurance
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care)
• $500 -- $1,000+ Employee Referral Bonuses with no annual cap!
• Other generous benefits including discounted memberships, access to wellness programs and more!

About Us

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

• Experience as a recipient of services for people with psychiatric conditions preferred; must be well alone in own personal recovery (self-knowledge and habits needed to support one's own health)
• Lived experience with drug or alcohol misuse/addiction accepted, if applicant has received Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery Coach Academy or equivalent training; must be well along in own personal recovery (self-knowledge and habits needed to support one's own health)
• Experience in navigating any of the child (or adult) family-serving systems and teaching family members who are involved with child (or adult) family-serving systems.
• Access to an operational and insured vehicle and willingness to use it to transport PS preferred. Travel to PS homes, group living environments, supported independent environments and community locations required.