What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Support Specialist position at Gavin Foundation Inc?
JOB TITLE: Peer Support Specialist
REPORTS TO: DRC Program Director
SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Peer Support Specialist provides peer-to-peer support and recovery services to individuals seeking or maintaining recovery from substance use. This role is responsible for supporting members, facilitating connections to resources, and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. The Peer Support Specialist also plays a key role in community engagement, outreach, and supporting recovery-centered programming.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Engage with members to provide peer support and foster connections to recovery services.
- Offer information and referrals to assist members in accessing community resources.
- Monitor and support daily activities and facilitate social events.
- Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to match members with volunteer opportunities.
- Conduct outreach within the recovery community through local programs, halfway houses, support groups, and events.
- Complete the Second Shift Task List and DRC Closing Checklist; ensure all remaining tasks not completed by volunteers are completed by the end of the shift.
- Represent the organization at community events and assist with media outreach to increase visibility.
- Maintain uptodate and accurate documentation in accordance with program guidelines.
- Participate in wellness and recoveryrelated workshops and training.
- Facilitate or support peerled groups and recovery support meetings.
- Assist in collecting data for program reporting and evaluation.
- Provide support, as needed, to the Donation Closet initiative.
- Attend communication meetings held at 4pm every weekday.
- Attend monthly 1 on 1 and group supervision with the Program Director.
- Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Lived experience with substance use recovery preferred; if in recovery, a minimum of 1 year is strongly preferred.
- Must be able to pass MA CORI and Drug Testing requirements
- Willingness to obtain Recovery Coach Training and Certification
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Familiarity with the Greater Boston recovery community and resources.
- Experience in outreach, program planning, or coordination is highly desirable.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a peerdriven environment.
- Commitment to recovery principles, peer support, and community empowerment.
GAVIN FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
#WORKATGAVIN
About Gavin Foundation Inc
The Gavin Foundation is a nonprofit agency providing comprehensive adult, youth and community substance abuse education, prevention and treatment programs. Established in South Boston in 1963, we now serve over 10,000 individuals each year from Massachusetts and beyond. The Gavin Foundation offers a continuum of care to individuals, support services to their families, and programs to increase community awareness and acceptance regarding addiction and recovery.