Peer Support Specialist- Worcester Respite (20 Hours)

Worcester Respite is committed to helping people maintain their independence in the community – to live a life that isn’t defined by their mental illness. We meet individuals where they are at; in settings and spaces where they feel safe and comfortable.  Worcester Respite is a short-term group living environment that provides treatment of intermittent crisis and stabilization of adults with are diagnosed with a mental health/substance use disorder. The goal of the program is to work collaboratively with individuals in developing skills that allow them to live independently and successfully in the community. This program is funded by the Department of Mental Health. 

Respite Peer Support Specialists have lived experience with mental illness and ability to forge mutually beneficial relationships with people served while maintaining strong boundaries/ethics.

Other key responsibilities:

• Assist peers in using identified strengths and interests to develop, implement, and monitor interventions and personal recovery goals. Assist peers in identifying individual strengths and interests.
• Conduct both 1:1 and group activities geared toward increasing people’s readiness to engage in rehabilitation. Facilitate Peer skill building and support groups.
• Facilitate the development of valued community roles including group memberships, employment, or volunteer experiences.
• Support the development and maintenance of key skills including stress management, relapse prevention, advocacy, decision making, and goal planning.

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, required.
• Valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation and acceptable driving record.
• Reliability, willingness to learn, and being open to new opportunities.

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity and justice for ALL.

At Open Sky, you’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact our communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture that is focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives.

Open Sky is proud to be an industry leader in pay and benefits. Open the Door to Possibility, and begin your career with Open Sky today!

Benefits of Working for Open Sky Include:

• Excellent Supervision (Individual and Group), Professional Development, and Training Opportunities
• We pay for your higher education! Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and reimbursement for a variety of Human Services certifications
• Eligible employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• And more!

Open Sky celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or disabled Veteran status.