Who are we? NILP is a rapidly growing, nonprofit agency who assists persons with all types of disabilities who wish to live independently in their community throughout Northeast Massachusetts. NILP provides five core services of Advocacy, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, and Transition. NILP believes in consumer control and self-direction and provides these services with the knowledge that persons with disabilities are the best determinants of their needs and goals.

Position Overview: The per diem Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) provides support and assistance to individuals aged 55+in various community-based living arrangements. This role supports the development of self-determination, self-advocacy skills and other strategies that promote recovery to persons served by teaching and modeling these skills; and serves as a mentor to promote hope, resiliency and empowerment and are willing to share their own recovery story. Provides advocacy, education, support, information and training in recovery tools and techniques to promote the well-being of older adults.

What you will be doing:

• Meet one-to-one (and sometimes in small groups) with older adults who have been referred for peer support services by their local Aging Service Access Point (ASAP).

• Assist persons served in forming wellness goals which will enhance their health and wellbeing and provide ongoing support to help them reach those self-identified goals.

• Collaborate with local ASAPs to identify individuals who would be interested in this type of support.

• Orient individuals receiving peer support services to resources available in their local communities, as well as natural supports (such as libraries, fitness centers, community events, religious organizations, substance use support groups like AA and NA, etc.)

• Complete documentation of services provided following established protocols.

Who we are looking for?

• Certified Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach Certification required.

• Completion of COAPS training preferred. Must be willing to obtain COAPS training within 12 months of hire

• Must have two years of experience facilitating peer groups or be willing to complete a peer group facilitation training within the first 12 months of employment

• Must be a peer with lived experience with mental health challenges/addiction recovery and/or a trauma survivor

• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural candidates are highly desired

• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team

• Access to reliable transportation

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons with disabilities, veterans, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community and persons of color to apply for this position.