Peer Support Staff

As a Peer Support Staff member, you provide meaningful, recovery-oriented support to individuals staying in a respite bed as part of WCMHS’s Community Support Program. Drawing on lived experience and a peer-based approach, you help create a welcoming, supportive environment where guests feel understood, respected, and empowered. Your presence supports stabilization, connection, and hope during a critical time, while reinforcing independence and recovery.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Employee assistance plan.
• Generous sick and vacation accruals. Full- and part-time regular positions receive 12 days’ vacation and 12 days sick time annually - prorated based on standard hours.
• 12.5 paid holidays annually.
• Mileage reimbursement for agency related travel.
• Fun and engaging environment and the ability to give back to the local community

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to guests during their respite stay, promoting self-advocacy, wellness, and recovery.
• Support guests with daily routines and activities in a respectful, non-clinical manner.
• Complete required documentation and program-related paperwork accurately and on time.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment within the respite setting.
• Carry out basic housekeeping and daily program tasks as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with on-call supervisors and follow program guidelines.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and team activities.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Lived experience with mental health challenges is required and central to the role.
• Prior experience in mental health, peer support, or human services preferred.

Knowledge & Competencies

• Ability to use lived experience to support others.
• Strong communication and written documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate boundaries and professionalism.
• Basic computer skills and comfort completing electronic or written records.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Physical ability to complete light housekeeping tasks and lift up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:
This role is based in a respite setting and involves working independently with guests, with support available from an on-call supervisor. Peer Support Staff are active throughout the space, responding to guest needs, completing daily responsibilities, and ensuring a calm, supportive environment. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as staff collaborate with the broader team to ensure consistent coverage and continuity of care.

Compensation and benefits:
This part time position offers an hourly rate of $19.06/hr. and paid time off (prorated based on hours).

To apply:
We encourage applicants to apply via the WCMHS website Careers page. WCMHS strives to make our application process accessible to all. If you need language assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or 802-229-1399.

Washington County Mental Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. Grounded in our understanding that diversity makes us stronger, we are committed to inclusion in our workplace and services. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health care coverage status, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.   

About the agency:
For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment of individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”