Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) - Dual Impact Role

Description

Are you ready to use the wisdom and established stability of your recovery to become a powerful catalyst for change? We are seeking an exceptional Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) for a unique Dual-Impact Role that is central to our commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed care. You will be the essential link, leveraging the true power of peer wisdom, connection, and mutuality across our Behavioral Health in Biddeford and Portland and Recovery Residence programs.

This role offers two distinct opportunities to lead with your lived experience:

1.  Your core mission is to act as a co-learner and mentor, leading one-on-one and group sessions rooted in the principles of mutuality.

• Instill Hope: Share personal recovery experiences and the wisdom of stability to reduce stigma and model effective, sustainable coping strategies.
• Build Networks: Help clients identify personal strengths, develop their own goals, and build robust natural support systems.
• Resource Navigator: Assist clients in overcoming barriers like housing, employment, and social isolation by facilitating connections with vital community resources.
• Team Voice: Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, ensuring the client's voice and peer perspective enhance clinical understanding and inform treatment planning.

2. Recovery Residence Leadership

You will step into a key leadership position within our Recovery Residence.

• Program Guidance: Provide direct guidance and support to our Residence Peer Leader.
• Community Builder: Run our weekly house meeting and create engaging social opportunities that foster connection and accountability.
• Sustainability: Play a key role in screening new resident applicants to maintain the safety and integrity of the home environment.

• Supported Leadership: You won't work alone. You will be part of a collaborative team, joining two other seasoned CIPSS members and benefiting from their expertise.
• Drive Change: Your role supports clients through out the agency ensuring consistent service quality. As a small, learning organization, your insights and feedback help ensure quality services and drive organizational change.
• High Visibility: Represent our agency professionally at community events, promoting the power of peer support.

Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma required; an associate degree is preferred.
• Personal experience with mental health services and substance use recovery, with openness to selfdisclose in peer and community settings.
• Completion or commitment to complete the State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification, including provisional certification within 9 months of hire and ongoing maintenance.
• Participation in training for compliance with state licensing, CMS regulations, and agency requirements.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Electronic Health Records, Microsoft Office, and Outlook email.
• Strong communication skills and ability to establish rapport with diverse groups, including consumers, family members, caregivers, and resource providers.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including occasional evenings.
• Capability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, demonstrating independence and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to professional and ethical conduct, compliance with agency policies, state and federal regulations, and HIPAA standards.

Other Duties

This job description provides a general guideline of the key responsibilities and tasks expected in this role. It is not exhaustive and does not encompass all aspects of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve over time in response to changing organizational needs and objectives. The company reserves the right to modify or update these elements at any time, with or without prior notice, in accordance with business requirements.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The Peer Support Specialist position is dynamic, requiring both mental agility and a moderate level of physical fitness. This role demands the ability to effectively navigate diverse environments where clients reside and receive services, with a consistent emphasis on safety and client care.

Candidates should be prepared for physical activities including standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. Regular visits to clients' homes, often in older buildings without elevators, may require climbing stairs and moving through tight spaces. Additionally, frequent lifting and carrying of items such as folders, electronics, and other materials for client visits and service coordination is necessary, with some items weighing up to 25 pounds. Regular typing and handling of client materials are essential, necessitating fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

The role also requires acute perceptiveness to be responsive to environmental cues during client interactions and while navigating various settings. Effective communication skills are paramount, both in person and through electronic means, to liaise with clients and service providers.

Travel is a significant aspect of this role, as community engagement and meeting clients in various settings are vital for our support and the success of our program. Peer Support Specialists are required to travel to meetings, training sessions, and client locations. This entails holding a valid driver's license with a good record and being comfortable driving in all New England weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, or fog. Candidates must be prepared to work in the region's unpredictable weather, facing extreme cold, snow, ice in the winter, and heat with humidity in the summer.

Prospective employees are encouraged to carefully consider their ability to meet these demands without risk. The agency is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities where possible.