Peer Mentor

Community Services - Waltham

Salary Range: $19.25 + depending on experience and certification + sign on bonus (half paid after 30 days of employment and half paid after 90 days of employment; pro-rated for part-time).  

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system. We provide a supportive culture that is team-focused and places value on healthy work dynamics. 

What you will do:  

• Facilitate activity based and support groups for youth and/or young adults with mental health concerns.  
• Use your story and experience to provide hope, information, advocacy and one on one support to youth and/or young adults learning to manage their mental health challenges.  
• Promote skill building in the life domains of: social functioning, symptom management, coping skills and activities of daily living.
• Contribute to system change through policy advocacy.  

Competencies/Traits of Our Superstars:  

• Talent connecting with people.  
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal. 
• Ability to assess and manage risk.
• Flexibility and creative thinking with an ability to adapt.
• Strong boundaries.  

Minimum Requirements:  

• Lived experience managing your own mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Wiliness to share your recovery story in the context of peer support. 
• Driving in the community is a requirement of this position; please ensure you have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

We will train you in: Motivational Interviewing; Courageous Conversations; Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC); Trauma Informed Practice; Substance Use Intervention; Risk and Safety Assessment. Wayside will support you in getting your certification as a peer specialist.

Wayside welcomes equity-minded applicants whose values align with our goal of being a child welfare and behavioral health agency committed to anti-racism, social justice, and advocacy. Successful candidates are asked to be engaged in Wayside’s dedication to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Bilingual/bicultural and LGBTQ+ applicants are encouraged to apply!