Certified Peer Specialist

Description

Position Summary:

Under the authority of the Program Director and in coordination with the team supervisor, the Forensic Certified Peer Specialist assures that all operational procedures and regulations are followed.

The Forensic Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for collaborating with consumers, team members, family members, significant others and collateral resources to promote socialization experiences, creative rehabilitative skills training opportunities, maximizing empowerment experiences and to structure social and recreational activities and to promote recovery through the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).

The Forensic Certified Peer Specialist will assist team members and other providers with an understanding of the Recovery Model and the day-to-day practice of this modality. It is expected that 60% of the Forensic Certified Peer Specialist's time will be spent in actual contact with the consumer or others on his or her behalf. Paperwork and team meetings should not require more than 30% of the worker's time. The Peer Specialist will work directly with individuals receiving services, family members, providers and other stakeholders, at the direction of a supervisor. This position requires the candidate have direct, firsthand experience using mental health services as well as the forensic system in Allegheny County. This position will be a resource to individuals receiving services, families, and other stakeholders related to recovery initiatives.

Reports to: Program Director/Program Supervisor

***$1,500.00 Hiring Bonus***

Essential Duties and Functions

Program Responsibilities:

A. Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders.

B. Provide recovery coaching concerning; assisting in recovery management, identification of

personal strengths/ assets, development of a strength-based recovery plan /recovery goals,

and strategies to meet goals.

C. Assist in identifying or re-connecting to natural supports including but not limited to peer

recovery supports and self-help groups in the community.

D. Assist in scheduling appointments as needed.

E. Assist with accessing and navigating the mental health and/or D&A service system.

F. Assist with accessing and navigating mental health court, Adult Probation, Justice Related

Services and the legal system.

G. Participate in treatment team meetings, continuing care (aftercare) meetings, as requested by

the member.

H. Demonstrate flexibility in schedule in order to meet member's needs.

I. Advocate for the member's community needs, medical, and behavioral health needs

J. Maintain Certification

K. Utilize motivational interviewing to effectively identify the member's strengths, needs,

motivation, triggers, and goals in managing life circumstances.

L. Bridge the gap between the physical health care and behavioral health treatment.

M. Provides telephonic assistance to members and family members concerning recovery

tools and resources.

N. Empower the member to self-advocate and follow through with treatment (making and

attending scheduled appointments, setting goals, and community networking.

O. Travel throughout the region.

P. Utilize laptop to document and bill for services through electronic record software

Q. Limited to working with adults only

Ancillary Responsibilities:

A. Performs tasks that are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which

may be altered or re-designed depending upon individual circumstances.

Requirements

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate has a HS/GED and is someone who has had mental health challenges in the past and has developed successful coping mechanisms and could serve as a mentor for others.

A. Board Certified as a Peer Specialist

B. Valid Driver's License

C. Automotive insurance

D. Access to a reliable personal vehicle preferred

E. One year of experience

F. Act 73 FBI

G. Act 34 Criminal Clearance

H. Act 33 Child Clearance

I. Familiarity with computers and ability to navigate software used to document and bill for

services.

J. Will be required to complete and pass Forensic Certified Peer Specialist training within 6 months

of hire.

K. All trainings required by licensure.

Working Condtions:

Hazard and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to Fumes
• Exposure to Dust
• Exposure to Extreme Heat
• Exposure to Extreme Cold
• Wet and/or Humid
• Exposure to Loud Noise
• Exposure to Confined Places
• Mists or Gases
• Exposure to Mechanical Hazards
• Exposure to Chemical Hazards
• Exposure to Electrical Hazards
• Radiant Energy Hazard
• Exposure to Heights
• Exposure to Burn Hazard

Additional Special Working Conditions:

Physical requirements

Lifting Requirements

• Sedentary: exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to left, carry, push, pull or move objects (including self). Most work involves sitting majority of the time.
• Light: exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The use of arm and/or leg control requires force greater than sedentary, but worker still sits majority of time.
• Medium: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Heavy: exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Very Heavy: exerting over 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or move 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (stationary position)
• Walk
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders)
• Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey, express/exchange information)
• See (detect, identify, recognize, inspect, assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion
• Reaching (high or low)
• Kneel, Stoop, Crouch or Crawl (position self, move)

Resources for Human Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran, or disability status.