Job Title: Peer Support Specialist (PSS)
*By definition, Peer Support is a system of giving and receiving encouragement, assistance and emotional support from people who share similar lived experiences of mental health conditions, substance use disorders or other challenges. Therefore, it is a requirement that job applicants have similar lived experience as those we serve.
Full-time | 40 hours per week (usual hours are Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm)
Location: Annapolis, MD (Some travel to Easton, MD)
Who We Are: A Community of Shared Experience
Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc. is a unique, peer-operated non-profit where every staff member and most of our Board share the personal lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges. We don't just provide a service; we build mutually accountable relationships where everyone is a learner.
Our mission is to reduce isolation by co-creating a safe, uplifting space where individuals empower one another to reach their full potential.
Our Core Philosophy: Intentional Peer Support (IPS)
We thrive by moving "From Helping to Learning Together." We value relationships over individual authority and hope over fear. Our daily work is rooted in:
· Connection: Building bridges through vulnerability.
· Worldview: Respecting how others make sense of their lives.
· Mutuality: Sharing responsibility so we all grow together.
· Moving Towards: Focusing on what we want to create, not what we want to avoid.
The Role: Partnering for Wellness
As a Peer Support Specialist, you will use your personal journey to walk alongside others. This isn't about being an "expert" or "fixing" someone; it’s about mutuality.
How you will contribute to the team:
· Cultivate Connections: Build deep, non-judgmental relationships with participants that focus on equality and trust.
· Co-Facilitate Support: Work with our team to design and lead groups that promote education and socialization.
· Share Wisdom: Use your own wellness strategies to inspire hope and explore new possibilities with peers.
· Supportive Advocacy: Assist peers in finding their own voice in court, appointments, or the community.
· Team Collaboration: Partner with the Executive Director and staff on local workgroups, sharing your unique knowledge to benefit the collective mission.
· Community Care: Keep our center a welcoming home—from facilitating conflict resolution to sharing in the daily upkeep of our space.
Who You Are
We are looking for a team player who values being a part of something bigger than themselves.
· Humble Learner: You are eager to learn from participants, staff, and volunteers alike.
· Empathetic Listener: You listen with curiosity and a desire to understand, not to judge or direct.
· Inclusive Heart: You are comfortable working with a diverse community and treat everyone as a true equal.
· Collaborative Spirit: You enjoy working independently but find your best energy when collaborating with others.
· Personal Insight: You have at least 5 years of wellness/recovery from significant mental health situations and/or substance use (if applicable) and a willingness to share your journey.
What’s In It For You
· Salary: $47,000 – $50,000 annually.
· Well-being: Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
· Rest: Generous Vacation, Sick, and Holiday leave.
Ready to join our team?
We would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a detailed letter explaining that makes you eligible to be considered a peer and why you are drawn to a peer-run, collaborative environment to [email protected]
Pay: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a Clean Driving Record?
Experience:
- Support Group facilitation: 1 year (Required)
- Personal Wellness and Recovery lived: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Annapolis, MD 21401 (Required)
Work Location: In person
