Part Time Peer Specialist LGBTQ+

POSITION SUMMARY Walk with Me is a specialized outpatient treatment track for LGBTQ+-identifying individuals  who are seeking therapeutic and/or peer support services to address their specific mental health or substance abuse treatment needs. The Walk with Me Peer Specialist will be part of a team of providers to help create a safe, affirming environment by providing an array of inclusive support services for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones where they can be validated, explore their identities, reduce feelings of isolation, strengthen their support system, and develop skills to cope with stress and stigma. With an emphasis on treating the whole person, this track includes a dedicated team of behavioral health, medical, and peer support staff to provide robust wrap-around services that are tailored to meet the needs of each unique patient--wherever they are on their journey. The Peer Specialist will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ individuals by providing recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and culturally safe peer support and linkages to service at the agency and externally as needed.  Services may be delivered in community or office settings.   Rate: $20     EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma/GED.  Must be an individual with lived experience and/or navigating mental health services.  Individuals with lived experience as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual or other non-hetero-normative identities are preferred.  Must be comfortable sharing experiences to support individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is required.   LOCATION Plainville, CT   SCHEDULE Part time   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you:   Nurture Your Health: Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company Fuel Your Career Growth: Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program Access training and development opportunities Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication Get reimbursed for licensure/certification expenses Maintain Work-Life Harmony: Recharge with generous paid time off, including: 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge 8 sick days per year for your well-being 2 personal days per year for your personal needs 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide education on mental health and addiction recovery to clients and complete outreach and engagement activities with the client, community partners and stakeholders.   Assist, in conjunction with other team members, persons served, to develop and implement their unique treatment plans, inclusive of the person’s personal interests, goals, strengths and vulnerabilities.   Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of support, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, housing etc.) that support the client’s goals and interests. This may include accompanying clients to appointments and helping them complete required applications and documentation,   Provide in-person and telephonic support, coaching and mentoring to help clients meet their treatment goals.   Meet with clients in person at the clinic or in the community to provide social supports and the opportunity to discussed shared similar experiences.   Attend or facilitate peer support groups/activities and other community supports as needed to help clients make use of the supports.   Facilitating peer groups to clients and or family members by leading or co-leading  peer support groups that focus on mental health, addiction recovery, or other areas of personal growth.   Documentation of activities in client record as required by Wheeler.   Assist program leadership and clinical staff as directed.   Assists in professional training, outreach, and public education services as assigned.  This may include professional conferences, workshops and training for behavioral health agencies.  May represent the agency at community forums or serve on inter-organizational committees as directed.   Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.