Location: Kiva Worcester

Reports to: Director of RLC

Position Type: Full Time/Part Time

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker will provide trauma-informed peer support that is directed by the core values of the recovery movement and the mission of the Recovery Learning Community. The PSW will operate with the ultimate goal of empowering each individual to find their own path to recovery.  To the end, they may provide direct support in a variety of ways and settings, including face to face support and phone support.  The PSW will ensure that members at Kiva are being engaged throughout the day, that meetings are occurring as scheduled, that facilitators are logging meeting tracking information, and calls are being answered and forwarded to the proper people in a timely fashion.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Role Modeling & Leadership
  • The PSW will share their own recovery story, including points of self-empowerment and successful community living, in group and/or individual support settings.
  • The PSW will model coping, self-help and self-advocacy techniques that may include wellness management tools such as the Wellness Recovery action Plan (WRAP).
  • The PSW will represent the Kiva Centers in a positive light.
  • The PSW will promote engagement and the empowerment of the Kiva community in taking ownership of the Kiva growth and support offered.
• Advocacy
  • The PSW will empower individuals supported in any complaint filing processes and will act as an advocate as needed.
• Information Sharing
  • The PSW will share information about all community resources, including other peer-run groups, housing and benefit resources, and community events.
  • The PSW will remain up-to-date on current resources and knowledge of the recovery movement by attending trainings and readings related articles and/or books as available.
  • The PSW will work with the Kiva team to help get the word out about the Kiva Centers to other providers and people in the community.
  • The PSW will take part in building the Kiva database of information and resources.
• Collaboration
  • The PSW will be available to provide consultation and/or training to individuals in the community or working in traditional treatment settings.
  • The PSW will participate in Kiva meetings as scheduled and take part in determining the overall direction and policies of the Kiva Centers.
• Support
  • The PSW will prioritize creating and supporting a welcoming atmosphere.
  • The PSW will prioritize openness and helpfulness and will avoid saying “I don’t know,” without following up or offering opportunities to brainstorm together.
  • The PSW will provide trauma-sensitive support in a variety of settings and by using listening skills and empowering the individual supported in problem solving skills as needed.
  • The PSW will provide support to the individual as needed to connect with other supports in their community, including-in some cases-visiting other resources with the individual to help them get acquainted.
• General
  • The PSW will value the individual’s right to privacy and keep information confidential within the team.
  • The PSW will complete administrative tasks as required including timesheets, basic documentation, etc.
  • The PSW will be responsible for responding to requests for information and phone calls in a timely fashion.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience:
  • Lived experience with a mental health diagnosis, extreme states and/or trauma required.
  • Certified Peer Specialist training preferred. New hires are required to pass the Certified Peer Specialist training within 1 year of hire.
  • Some experience in Advocacy or Peer Support preferred.
• Abilities:
  • Access to reliable transportation (with access to your own vehicles preferred).
  • Bilingual/Bicultural in English and American Sign Language or Spanish a big plus.
  • Ability to act as an advocate and empowering individuals to take leadership in their own recovery.
  • Ability and willingness to share own recovery story in an open and skillful manner.
• Attributes:
  • Safe and approachable, including when under pressure.
  • Respectful of and compassionate toward other people’s thoughts, behaviors, ideas, and needs.
  • Self-aware and able to take responsibility for own mistakes, successes, weaknesses, and strengths, as well as being able and willing to seek support when needed.
  • Optimistic and confident in approach and outlook.
  • Curious about and open to all perspectives, with a focus toward keeping up-to-date with information about Peer Support and developments in the Recovery movement.