Peer Support Counselor

Peer Support Counselor - Nursing Facility Transition and Outreach  - Upper Eastern Shore, Maryland

Upper Eastern Shore, Maryland (Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Cecil counties).

Position is open until filled, looking to fill this position ASAP.

Individuals with disabilities and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Equal opportunity employer.

Peer Support Counselor - Nursing Facility Transition and Outreach - Upper Eastern Shore. Job responsibilities include monthly visits to nursing facilities, building relationships with nursing facility residents, family / representatives if applicable, local Ombudsman’s and staff, to act as a resource on community living and the transition process, and identifying services that benefit individuals with disabilities moving back to community life. Additional activities include developing goals with the resident, and / or their representative, and attending pertinent meetings / events at nursing facilities to build connections with residents and their families, supporters, or staff.

Requirements :

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities.
• Strong desire to support people to lead the lives they choose.
• Experience in goal development.
• Ability to research, use and build community resources and partnerships.
• Tracking of case notes and excellent attention to details.
• Skilled in problem solving.
• Ability to follow through on tasks.
• Good typing and computer skills.
• Understand the history and commitment to the philosophy of Independent Living; and
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Peer Support Counselor must have a disability or personal experience (non-professional) with disability issues and comparable work experience, with a preference for individuals who have moved from a nursing facility or in the transition stage of doing so. Key attributes should include : a strong belief in the independent living philosophy along with life experience with disability and community living or the equivalent; ability to manage a varied workload, ability to travel throughout Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Cecil counties; visit nursing facilities on a monthly basis, deliver resource materials and talk with residents about community living possibilities; build relationships with staff at the nursing facilities, and to keep accurate records.

Position Details : Approximately 15 hours per week at $18.00 per hour. Background check required. Flexible and progressive work environment.

Send resume and cover letter via email to Chris Kelter, Executive Director : ckelter@arinow.org.

Accessible Resources for Independence, Inc. (ARI), a Center for Independent Living, is a nonprofit organization created by and for people with disabilities. We are a resource and advocacy center that promotes independent living and equal access for people with all types of disabilities. ARI assists residents of Anne Arundel and Howard counties and surrounding areas to use community services and resources that will enhance their independence.

ARI’s core services are peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, information and referral, transition support, and independent living skills training. Our mission is to maximize the independence of people with disabilities so they enjoy self-directed, productive lives.