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Peer Specialist
Summary
Supports individuals in behavioral health recovery through lived experience, crisis intervention, mutual support groups, and community resource navigation in a 24/7 crisis program.
Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is the largest provider of behavioral health services in Western Massachusetts and was recently recognized by The Boston Globe as one of the Top 10 Employers in Massachusetts. We are also proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has been providing high-quality, affordable, and culturally responsive behavioral health services to children, adults, and families throughout the region.
We are looking for a Peer Specialist to join our Westfield Respite, a highly integrated outreach and 24/7 crisis support program, focused on recovery, rehabilitation, and independent living for those we serve.
What You'll Do:
As a Peer Specialist, you will use your lived experience to support others in their recovery journey, empowering them with respect, dignity, and hope.
Key responsibilities include:
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Assisting with daily living, monitoring, and crisis intervention for adults served
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Facilitating mutual support groups and activities that address needs, goals, and recovery hopes
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Sharing your personal recovery story to help inspire and support others
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Helping individuals organize life activities and access community resources
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Providing advocacy and guidance around behavioral and medical needs
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Offering safe and timely transportation in your own vehicle, as needed
What We Offer:
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Mission-Driven Work – Make a real difference by supporting individuals in recovery
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Career Growth – One-third of our positions are filled through internal promotions
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Comprehensive Benefits – Competitive pay, PTO, health insurance, and more
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Supportive Team Culture – Work collaboratively with an experienced, multidisciplinary team
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Professional Development – Ongoing training, supervision, and opportunities to advance
Who You Are:
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High School Diploma or GED with experience (required); Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
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At least 6 months of experience in human services (preferred)
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Lived experience with mental health recovery (required) — diagnosable struggles (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use/addiction) and currently in active recovery
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Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist Training (preferred)
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Commitment to empowerment, human rights, and community integration (required)
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Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle available during working hours (required)
We Hire for HEART!
Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care across Western Massachusetts. Our core values — Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork — guide how we lead, how we serve, and how we support one another.
If you're ready to aid individuals working on improving their mental health in an inpatient setting, we encourage you to apply. Apply today at www.bhnworks.org!
Shift: 8 hours a week
Pay: $21.50/hr plus $1 for overnights and $5 for weekends, $1 after 4pm and $1.45 bilingual differential