Peer Specialist - PACT

About the role

You will own the delivery of peer support services within the Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) framework, ensuring that every interaction is grounded in lived experience and compassion. You will champion the autonomy of adults living with severe and persistent mental illness by validating their journeys and reinforcing their self-determination. This role requires you to draw directly on your own mental health recovery to build genuine, trusting relationships with consumers. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to uphold a recovery-focused, culturally competent approach in every intervention. You will actively participate in team structures, contributing your voice during daily meetings and case discussions. Your work will center on empowering individuals to identify personal goals and develop the skills needed to manage their mental health. You will guide clients through transitions and intake processes, offering advocacy and education to ensure they understand their options and rights. Ultimately, you will foster hope and resilience, helping individuals craft and maintain self-directed recovery plans that reflect their preferences and strengths.

Key facts

What you'll do

Provide peer counseling and support drawing on your own experiences to validate consumers' lived realities and perspectives.

Empower individuals to exercise autonomy in all aspects of their life, reinforcing their right to make informed choices.

Assist clients with identifying choices and developing skills in self-advocacy so they can actively participate in decisions affecting their care.

Provide guidance in the recovery process, offering support and education during intake and across transitions to independence.

Offer advocacy, support, and education during transition processes across service systems, helping individuals navigate complex needs.

Assist clients with identifying personal methods of recovery from mental illness and developing self-management plans to address their experiences.

Promote hope and empowerment through meetings and support, ensuring a person-centered focus in every interaction.

Collaborate with the treatment team to ensure that the individual's perspective is always included and that preferences are recognized.

Utilize a team-based approach to support and services, actively participating in daily meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ensure that services are culturally competent, strengths-based, recovery-oriented, and focused on rehabilitation while respecting person preferences.

Ensure that the Person is at the center of all care and that all interventions are developed and provided in a manner consistent with their choices.

Maintain a commitment to inclusivity by adapting support strategies to align with the cultural and personal values of each individual.

Support the integration of evidence-based practices with peer-driven strategies to enhance engagement and outcomes.

Contribute to a positive work environment by sharing insights and participating in ongoing learning and team development activities.

Requirements

Must have a High School diploma or equivalent as foundational education.

Must be currently receiving services or have received services from the mental health system in the past, with demonstrated self-knowledge to manage your mental illness.

Must possess a deep well of self-knowledge derived from your lived experience to manage your mental health condition effectively.

Must be empathetic and motivated to improve the lives of adults with mental illnesses through dedicated service.

Must have the ability to develop lasting relationships with clients by drawing on your own mental health experiences.

Must hold a valid Massachusetts driver's license to fulfill role responsibilities related to community engagement and travel.

Must be able to work a schedule that includes Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a standing 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. shift one day per week.

Must be available to work rotating weekends as required by the PACT team coverage model.

Must comply with all organizational policies, standards, and regulatory requirements governing peer specialist practice.

Must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills in all team interactions.

Must engage in ongoing self-reflection and supervision to ensure the quality and safety of peer support provided.

Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in every aspect of service delivery.

Must show commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practices in all roles and responsibilities.

Nice to have

Only individuals with a strong background in mental health advocacy and community resources will be considered.

Experience in peer-led program development or facilitation is preferred.

Familiarity with recovery-oriented practices and person-centered planning is highly valued.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position with a structured schedule that includes weekday hours and one evening shift per week.

The role requires weekend rotation to ensure continuous coverage for PACT services.

Travel is primarily local within the service area, and a valid driver's license is required.

Employment is contingent on meeting eligibility requirements and background checks.