Recovery Learning Community Director
for The Transformation Center dba Kiva Centers

Position Summary:
As the Recovery Learning Community Director at Kiva Centers, you will assume a pivotal role in guiding and overseeing our dynamic Recovery Learning Community (RLC) located in Worcester, MA. The RLC serves as a welcoming community hub committed to promoting peer support, mutual aid, and fostering meaningful community connections. In this capacity, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the RLC, ensuring comprehensive staff training, trauma-informed services, and overseeing a diverse range of programming both within the community and in collaboration with various partner organizations. Additionally, you will provide oversight and direction to multiple front-line Peer Support Workers, the Peer Facilitator Coordinator, who manages a group of fifteen casual employees that run peer support meetings virtually and in-person as well as the  Peer Bridger, who delivers invaluable peer support and advocacy services within locked psychiatric hospitals, DMH Recovery Centers, and private hospitals with whom we maintain Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

This position offers a dynamic and immersive experience with a steep learning curve (around 180 days) where the successful candidate will dive into our multi-faceted programming, advocacy initiatives, and engage with stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of our community’s needs and organization. During the initial months, the candidate will work closely with the interim RLC Director to ensure a smooth transition.
The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to peer support principles and a passion for fostering community engagement and empowerment. This role requires excellent leadership skills, program development experience, and the ability to cultivate a supportive environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive. Candidates with a background in supervising lived experienced professionals or supporting programming with a diversity, equity and belonging focus are strongly encouraged to apply. After the first six months, the organization is open to considering a hybrid work arrangement, providing a flexible balance between in-office and remote work to support work-life balance for the successful candidate. This position is an Executive Level role.

Kiva Centers is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our organization is committed to building your leadership. If you have an idea related to systems change, peer support, advocacy or training, our organization will support the candidate in realizing their dreams.

Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership:

• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive programs and activities within the Recovery Learning Community, ensuring their alignment with the organization’s overarching mission and objectives.

• Provide dynamic leadership and mentorship to the RLC staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment characterized by a strong work ethic and mutual respect.

• Serve as a role model for leveraging lived experiences as a catalyst for personal accountability, nurturing virtues such as hope, nuance, and utilizing lived experience to cultivate connections rather than directing conversations solely around staff experiences.

• Empower staff members to realize their leadership potential, build resilience, and foster self-determination through the implementation of outcome-driven metrics and targeted coaching strategies designed to support their professional growth.

• Collaborate with the Executive Team to integrate the RLC with our other programs and supports

Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and individuals served by the RLC, fostering a sense of belonging and voice.

• Organize and facilitate community events, workshops, and support groups that promote peer support, recovery, and holistic wellness.

• Proactively champion outreach efforts to marginalized communities, prioritizing the creation of leadership pathways for individuals from BIPOC and Spanish-speaking backgrounds.

• Cultivate an environment conducive to intergenerational learning and mutual support, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across age groups.

• Demonstrate adeptness in making tough decisions, including but not limited to community suspension, conflict resolution, ensuring accessibility, and effectively managing critical incidents.

Program Evaluation and Improvement:

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of RLC programs and services, collecting data and feedback to inform continuous improvement efforts.

• Identify opportunities for innovation and expansion to better meet the needs of the community.

• Develop Employee Improvement Plans using strength based strategies

• Facilitate meetings with funders and stakeholders to ensure contractual compliance

Administrative Oversight:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the RLC, including budgeting, scheduling, workforce development and resource allocation.

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and regulatory standards.

• Work closely with Executive Team to develop the program and initiatives

• With the Executive Team, support emergency response planning, such as Narcan availability, 911 protocols and other policies and procedures related to safety

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in program management, community organizing, or peer support leadership.

• Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist certification strongly preferred; multiple years of community organizing service may act as substitute. Must attain certification within 6 months of hire.

• Strong understanding of peer support principles and the recovery-oriented approach to mental health, trauma healing and substance use.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse individuals and groups.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including team building, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

• Commitment to equity, belonging and anti-oppression principles, including self-determination in recovery spaces.

• Genuine enthusiasm for building community, mutual aid, or other social advocacy programming

This Full-time position is located in Worcester, MA. On-sight, hybrid potential after 180 days.  We offer competitive benefits including 3+ weeks’ vacation, additional PTO, health and dental insurance, access to financial counselling, 401k, free legal aid services, and fringe benefits not listed

Kiva Centers is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.