Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Peer Support Specialist

Job TypePart-timeDescriptionIn Person | 20-24 Hours WeeklyPortland, MaineJoin a Team that Values Recovery, Connection, and Lived ExperienceHave you used your own recovery journey to build resilience, hope, and connection? Your lived experience can help others navigate their path toward wellness and recovery.Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) is seeking compassionate and recovery-oriented individuals to join our Behavioral Health Home (BHH) team as a Peer Support Specialist. In this role, you will use your personal experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to support individuals in building meaningful goals, increasing independence, and strengthening community connections.This is a community-based position serving members throughout the Portland and Biddeford regions, with regular travel required.Position SummaryThe Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented support services to individuals receiving Behavioral Health Home services. Peer Support Specialists use lived experience to provide encouragement, advocacy, mentoring, and connection while helping members navigate services and build self-directed recovery goals.This role is not clinical in nature and does not provide therapy services.Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Peer Support Specialist, you will:Utilize lived experience to provide hope, encouragement, and peer-based supportBuild supportive and therapeutic relationships with membersAssist members in identifying strengths, goals, and recovery supportsHelp members navigate mental health, substance use, medical, and community-based systemsConnect individuals with community resources and support networksEncourage independence, self-advocacy, and wellness planningFacilitate peer connection and promote community engagementParticipate in team meetings and collaborative care coordinationComplete timely and accurate documentation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR)Maintain professional, ethical, and trauma-informed interactions with members and community partnersAdditional ExpectationsParticipate in required trainings and maintain compliance with state licensing, CMS regulations, agency policies, and HIPAA standardsFlexibility to work occasional evenings based on member or program needs SchedulePart-Time Position20-24 hours weeklyFlexible scheduling based on program and member needsSome evening availability may be required BenefitsAWS values and supports our employees by offering a comprehensive and flexible benefits package for eligible part-time employees, including but not limited to:Medical insuranceDental insuranceVision insurancePaid Time Off (PTO)Paid holidaysAdditional voluntary benefit optionsProfessional development and training opportunitiesSupportive and recovery-oriented team environment Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentThis position is community-based and requires regular travel to member homes, community locations, meetings, and trainings throughout the Portland and Biddeford regions.The role requires the ability to:Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and navigate various community environmentsClimb stairs and enter buildings that may not have elevator accessLift and carry materials, files, laptops, and supplies up to 25 poundsUtilize computers and electronic documentation systems regularlyMaintain awareness of surroundings and respond appropriately in community-based settingsDrive safely in varying New England weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, fog, heat, and humidity Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. Why Join AWS?At AWS, we believe lived experience is powerful. We are committed to creating a supportive, recovery-focused environment where peer professionals are respected as valued members of the care team.If you are passionate about supporting others in their recovery journey and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply today.RequirementsRequired QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree preferredPersonal lived experience with mental health services and/or substance use recoveryWillingness to appropriately self-disclose recovery experiences in peer and community settingsStrong interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environmentBasic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Electronic Health RecordsValid driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving recordAbility to travel regularly throughout the service area and work in community-based settingsCertification RequirementsCurrent State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) certification preferredCandidates who are not yet certified must be willing and able to obtain provisional certification within 9 months of hire and maintain certification requirements thereafter