Community Care Network is looking for a Peer Support Specialist, Department of Children and Families to join our team!
The Peer Support Specialist uses their lived experiences to make a real impact with the clients served. Partnering with Rutland DCF, the Peer Support Specialist will support and advocate for families navigating child welfare, family court and mental health services - building trust, offering practical guidance, and promoting resilience, healing, and safe, stable family systems and well being.
Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities:
- Provide trauma-informed peer support, using lived experience to mentor and guide caregivers
- Empower families through goal setting, wellness planning, and alignment with case plans
- Support individuals with complex needs in building coping skills and managing crises
- Lead or assist peer groups and educational sessions that foster resilience and connection
- Advocate for clients and accompany them to court, DCF meetings, and key appointments
- Help families access and navigate housing, legal, mental health, and substance use services
- Conduct community outreach and provide in-person support across service settings
- Assist in building strong support networks using community and online resources
- Provide transportation to ensure access to essential services
- Promote client voice and strengthen communication with care teams
- Collaborate with partners to coordinate services and support continuity of care
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the EMR system
- Participate in supervision, trainings, and team collaboration for professional growth
- Support community education and stigma reduction efforts
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance with all policies
- Uphold agency values and contribute to a respectful, recovery-focused environment
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Competencies:
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Obtain and maintain state Peer Support certification (training/exams required)
- Lived experience with child welfare, mental health, substance use, family court, or DCF systems
- Strong grounding in peer support values: mutuality, empowerment, and respect
- Understanding of challenges impacting families (trauma, poverty, system involvement)
- Knowledge of local resources and Vermont family service systems preferred
- Basic understanding of mental health, treatment, and recovery principles
- Ability to provide recovery-oriented mentoring in community settings
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills in emotionally complex situations
- Effective problem-solving, conflict resolution, and professional judgment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable working in homes and community settings with strong time management
- Flexibility to work evenings/weekends as needed
- Calm, professional response to crisis situations
- Basic computer proficiency
- Knowledge of HIPAA and maintaining confidentiality
- Strong organization and timely documentation skills
- Ability to engage in and benefit from supervision
- Valid Vermont driver’s license, reliable transportation, and personal automobile liability insurance coverage meeting state requirements.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check is required (applicants with relevant lived experience may qualify under agency-approved variances).
What’s in it for YOU:
- Competitive Pay -$20.00 - $21.50 (compensation is typically dependent upon experience)
- Comprehensive Benefit Package for full time
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health saving account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional developmental assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Career Training and Development
- Collaborative and engaging team meetings with supervision.
Be part of a team whose core values are: Trust, Accountability, Respect, Cultural Competence, Person Centered, and Continuous Learning and Growth.
Community Care Network is comprised of Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Community Programs. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of our communities, individuals and families through responsive, innovative and collaborative human service
CCN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
