We’re more than just quality treatment for substance use disorders. We’re a total health community. At SSTAR, our mission is healing the community, one person at a time. We will provide a personal level of healthcare and addiction treatment that addresses the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of everyone we touch. SSTAR is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) which affords our employees eligibility to apply for one of our three Loan Repayment Programs. 

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides recovery-oriented support as part of the Connect and Protect partnership with law enforcement. Using lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, the CPS engages individuals in crisis, offers follow-up support, and connects them to treatment and community resources. The role also contributes to training initiatives, including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for first responders.

Benefits

• 403B
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance through Massachusetts PFML
• Employee discounts, cell phone, eyewear etc.
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Opportunities to earn CEU's
• Voluntary Benefits including but not limited to, Disability, Life, Critical Illness, Accident and Disability Insurances

Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with law enforcement and clinicians during community response to provide peer support in the field.
• Use lived experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and de-escalate situations.
• Support diversion from arrest or hospitalization by encouraging engagement in recovery and treatment services.
• Provide post-crisis outreach and check-ins with individuals and families.
• Connect individuals to treatment, recovery coaching, housing, employment, and community-based supports.
• Encourage self-advocacy and empowerment in navigating health, social service, and justice systems.
• Document services provided in accordance with program and agency standards.
• Collaborate with clinicians, officers, and first responders to promote recovery-oriented approaches.
• Participate in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training initiatives, sharing lived experience to enhance responder understanding in collaboration with Community Response Clinician.
• Serve as a bridge between community members, law enforcement, and behavioral health providers.
• Contribute to data collection, grant reporting, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Engage in outreach, education, and stigma-reduction efforts in the community.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing peer support training.
• Demonstrate a proactive commitment to maintaining effective communication with staff, Enrollees, Care Team members and other collaterals, and other internal and external stakeholders and customers. Promote strong working relationships and excellent customer service.
• Complete required trainings and other professional development activities.
• Strictly adhere to HIPPA and 42 CFR confidentiality policies at all time, including when responding to inquiries for Enrollee information.

Duties & Responsibilities

• HS diploma/GED required.
• Recovery coach or certified peer specialist or community health worker training is required.
• Must have lived experience with mental health, substance use conditions, or family supporting a family member with behavioral health challenges; and be in recovery, if applicable. Prefer current or former recipient of behavioral health services.
• Driver's license required.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with and engaging an addicted population.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Solid understanding of insurance procedures and payor system.