Boston Public Health Commission·Boston, Massachusetts
The Peer Support Specialist serves as a role model to help clients in shelters regain independence and transition into permanent housing. Responsibilities include providing behavioral health education, assisting with vital documentation, and transporting clients to essential appointments.
Duties: And responsibilities:
Peer Support Specialists function as role models to peers, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills to serve as a consumer advocate and provide consumer information and peer support to help clients move out of shelter and into housing. Responsibilities include:
Perform a wide range of tasks to help clients regain independence within the community, regain mastery over their own recovery process, and move out of shelter into permanent housing.
Engage and build relationships and rapport with shelter guests, engaging them in Behavioral Health services.
Coordinate, plan, and conduct Behavioral Health education classes, groups and events.
Assist clients in applying for and obtaining vital documents—including social security cards, IDs, and birth certificates.
Assist clients in completing various housing and housing-related applications, including BHA applications.
Bring MATCH-enrolled clients on apartment viewings and lease signings as needed.
Transport clients to related appointments, including medical, psychiatric, BHA, RMV, social security office, job fairs, furniture bank , etc.
Assist clients obtaining any documentation for SSI/SSDI applications.
Schedule appointments for clients with key partners and providers including the Mayor’s Health Line, community day shelters,
Assist in locating clients to inform them of key housing events and opportunities.
Accompany staff on wellness checks and other visits requiring multiple staff for safety reasons.
Receive certification for peer support from the Department of Mental Health
Performs other duties as assigned.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous participation in Mental Health or Substance Abuse service systems as recipient of service and a willingness to convey this experience is strongly preferred.
1 year of experience in related field desirable.
Valid Mass Driver’s license is strongly preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from different backgrounds.
Computer proficiency –including ability to use Microsoft Word, navigate internet, complete forms online, and send emails.
A high school diploma is required, and previous experience as a recipient of mental health or substance abuse services is strongly preferred. Candidates should possess a valid driver's license and basic computer proficiency.
Market context
In Massachusetts, behavioral health employers often look for licensed or license-eligible clinicians with experience supporting at-risk youth and families, so demand tends to stay steady for candidates who can work across settings and age groups. These roles can be competitive because employers usually want a master’s degree, a clear licensure path, and practical experience; review the summarized requirements and benefits here, which are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time, then confirm your licensure status and tailor your application to youth and family work.