Older Adult Peer Specialist

***$1,000 Sign-on bonus and $100 Gas Card***

Job Purpose:

The Older Adult Peer Specialist (OAPS) provides support and assistance to individuals aged 55 in various community-based living arrangements. They support the development of self-determination, self-advocacy skills and other strategies that promote mental health recovery to people served by teaching and modeling these skills. They serve as a mentor to promote hope, resiliency and empowerment and are willing to share their own recovery story. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Job Functions:

• Meet one-to-one (and sometimes in small groups) with older adults who have been referred for peer support services by their local Aging Service Access Point (ASAP). 
• Assist people in forming wellness goals which will enhance their health and wellbeing and provide ongoing support to help them reach those self-identified goals. 
• Orient individuals receiving peer support services to resources available in their local communities
• Complete documentation of services provided following established protocols

• Attend periodic staff meetings as required
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality in accordance with Federal HIPPA laws

Interpersonal Communication:

• Excellent consumer satisfaction skills with a commitment that all consumers seeking information will get the time and attention needed to satisfy their need for information

• A positive attitude with all consumers to achieve excellent consumer satisfaction outcomes
• Model integrity, personal and professional ethics and maintain confidential consumer and organizational data 
• Maintain a positive working relationship with consumers, co-workers, referral sources and others to achieve positive outcomes
• Maintain updated computer technology competencies i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, WILD and SAMS

Teamwork and Cooperation:

• Work as an effective team member in a collaborative manner through strong individual contribution and commitment
• Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills, both verbally, written, and in electronic formats

Workplace Performance and Professional Development:

• Achieve positive consumer relationships and contribute to a positive public image of the overall organization
• Maintain a positive work setting through planning and effective use of benefit time
• Commitment to continuous improvement strategies and demonstration of the knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position
• Participate in continuing education, training, and staff development opportunities

Qualifications:

• Experience providing mental health peer support
• Completion of COAPS training preferred. Must be willing to obtain COAPS training within 12 months of hire
• Must have experience conducting home visits, supportive phone calls, and facilitating peer groups 
• Must be a peer with lived experience with mental health challenges/addiction recovery and/or a trauma survivor
• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural candidates are highly desirable
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the issues faced by older adults who have been psychiatrically labeled
• Experience sharing one’s personal story of recovery and hope 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to travel independently 

Direct Reports:

• OAPS Manager

Review Policy:

Supervisor will complete performance appraisal with employee at the completion of a six-month probation period. Job duties and assignments will be reviewed at this time. Thereafter, performance appraisals will be completed and reviewed annually. 

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons with disabilities, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and veterans to apply for this position. NILP is an organization that advocates for an all-inclusive community free of communication, attitudinal, economic and architectural barriers for all people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, NILP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation for the hiring process, offer processes, or at any point after the start of employment. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Manager at 978-291-5279.

Salary : $20 - $25