Veterans' Program Peer Support Specialist

Health Affiliates Maine is excited to announce the expansion of our Veterans' Program Team!

Health Affiliates Maine is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our mission of supporting veterans on their journey to wellness and recovery. All applicants must have the ability to do community services in a 30-mile radius of Auburn.

This is a part-time, hourly position offering 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options. The ideal candidate will bring lived experience, empathy, and a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow veterans. As a Peer Support Specialist, you'll play a vital role in fostering connection, resilience, and hope through shared understanding and mutual support.

Position Responsibilities Include:

• Using interpersonal skills and shared experience to facilitate opportunities for connecting with Fox eligible Veterans to engage individually or group at regular intervals (Goal is to encounter 30% of the Fox Veterans each quarter, maintaining more regular contact with 10%).
• Facilitate groups for Veteran Peers using Peer support curriculum and norms, providing a safe structure for participants.
• In group and individual meetings,
• a. assist Veterans in the Fox program in exploring other mutual support organizations, social support and community activities that might help their recovery.
• b. assist in combatting self-stigma and encourage sharing of recovery messages.
• c. promote empowerment and self-determination.
• Practice, mentor others and maintain fidelity to the Values of Peer Support: Connection, Openness, Honoring Worldview and Mutually Responsibility.
• Practice direct, respectful, honest communication, patience, and commitment to learning and growth.
• Participate in internal agency training and external training as determined by the agency.
• Maintain CIPSS certification and follow all applicable codes of ethics, including Maine CIPSS Code of Ethics.
• Protect and maintain the confidentiality of client records and information following all HIPAA rules and applicable guidelines.
• Ensure services are provided to clients in a manner consistent with trauma-informed practices.
• Offer and complete Mental Health Advanced Directives when appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the Fox team to provide crisis support for clients and maintain a calm, non-defensive, supportive attitude during crisis or potential crisis situations.
• Attend and participate in Fox team meetings, case review and other required meetings, collaborating when needed as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain and complete accurate documentation according to agency policy and procedures, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agreements.
• Actively participate in all required supervision and training.
• Seek supervision appropriately for client concerns, ethical dilemmas, and respond to feedback and directive given by supervisor(s) and Director(s).

More Details:

• Part-Time (20 hours per week)
• Flexible Schedule
• Travel Re-imbursement
• EAP available
• 401k plan

Job Requirements:

• Must be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has experience a diagnosis of mental illness, is in recovery from that Illness and willing to self-identify with other Veterans in the Fox program.
• Must hold or be in a training to receive within 9 months, the Maine CIPSS credential.