Peer Support Specialist – Home and Community Based Living

Do you want a career where your life experience makes a difference?

As a Peer Support Specialist for Home and Community Based Services, you will use your own personal journey with disability and independent living to inspire and support others as they move from nursing homes or institutions into their own homes. You will be a mentor, a motivator, and a guide, helping people build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to succeed in the community. This is more than a job, it is a chance to help others achieve freedom, independence, and stability, while being part of a passionate, peer-driven team.

What We’re Looking For

• Someone with a disability who has real life experience living independently, whether that is moving out of a nursing home, navigating personal care services, or building stability in the community.

• Someone with personal lived experience using Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), such as getting help at home with daily tasks, using personal care or support workers, receiving services to live independently, or using transportation, health, or equipment supports to stay active in the community.

• A natural connector who can listen, encourage, and share openly with others.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to model positive, respectful relationships.

• Organized and reliable, able to manage time well while being flexible when needed.

• Comfortable working both on your own and as part of a supportive team.

• We are seeking someone with a strong combination of lived experience, professional experience, and educational background that prepares them to thrive in a disability rights organization.

• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance

What You’ll Do

• Partner with an Independent Living Advocate and transition team to help people successfully move into and thrive in the community.

• Mentor participants one-on-one or in groups, sharing encouragement and lived wisdom.

• Support the whole person including physical, emotional, and social well-being through guidance and resources.

• Reduce loneliness by encouraging social connections and community engagement.

• Model healthy relationships and communication with landlords, service providers, and support staff.

• Step in with creative problem solving when unexpected challenges arise.

• Keep clear and accurate records of the great work you are doing to show the impact of peer support.

Why This Role is Rewarding

• You will change lives every day by helping people leave institutions and create homes of their own.

• You will work in a peer-driven organization where your voice and experience matter.

• You will be part of a mission-driven team that removes barriers and helps people achieve their dreams.

• You will see the impact of your work in the freedom, stability, and happiness of the people you serve.

Working Conditions

• Work happens in a mix of settings including our office, participants’ homes, and out in the community.

• Some travel, evenings, or weekends may be required.

• Light physical activity such as standing, walking, and lifting up to 24 lbs may be part of the role.

Commitment to Inclusion

At Independence, Inc., people with disabilities are not only strongly encouraged to apply, but personal lived experience with a disability is a requirement for this position. We value and depend on peer leadership as the foundation of our services.

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know when applying so we can ensure full access and inclusion.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires personal lived experience with a disability, including experience using Home and Community-Based Services (such as getting help at home, using support workers, or receiving services to live independently). Can you share how your own lived experience has shaped the way you mentor, support, and guide others, and how it would help you connect with people in this role?

Ability to Relocate:

• Minot, ND 58701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $21