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. 

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.