Peer Support Specialist

Under general supervision of the Program Coordinator, the Peer Support Specialist will engage individuals with psychiatric disabilities who have had contact with the criminal justice system. The Peer Support Specialist will be expected to work one-on-one with referrals from mental health courts, probation, forensic liaison, and shelters to provide ongoing supports clients may need to avoid incarceration in the future. The Peer Support Specialist will be expected to engage clients prior to release from jail to develop reentry plans that ensure a smooth transition to back into the community. After release, the Peer Support Specialist will provide both personal encouragement and practical assistance.

Starting pay: $15.50 per hour

The Peer Specialist must be a current or former recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness, should have self-knowledge and self awareness of their own mental health diagnosis/illness and how to effectively live independently and function well, despite their diagnosis.