Certified Peer Specialist - Day/Eve

Part-time, Day/EveJob Description:

Under the general supervision of the Program Director, contributes in a peer support capacity to facilitate recovery and enhance wellness by sharing his/her personal/practical experience and first-hand knowledge to the team and clients. Provides expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by patients to have a satisfying life. Serves as a role model for recovery for both staff and peers and partners with peers in developing recovery tools and building support networks.

 Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Accountabilities:

1. Draws on common experiences as a peer to provide guidance and encouragement to patients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
2. Assists designated peers with rehabilitation social support, advocacy, educational and vocational mentoring, and self-maintenance.
3. Provides side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize, such as going with a patient to the grocery store, movies, library, etc. during program hours of operation which may require use of staff’s personal vehicle.
4. Supports patient participation in community self-help groups.
5. Coaches or teaches basic individual living skills, such as food preparation, meal planning, laundry, bill payment and personal hygiene.
6. Provides education about symptoms of mental illness to assist patients in understanding their mental illness and identifying relapse symptoms.
7. Works with patients in supporting their individual choice and preference regarding medications, under the direction of the physician and nursing staff.
8. Promotes participation in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Psychiatric Advance Directives (PAD) planning among peers.
9. Partners with peers to create, review and attain goals on the Individual Recovery Plan.
10. Completes necessary documentation for each peer encounter (i.e. service activity, contact sheets, etc.) within 48 hours of encounter.
11. Completes monthly log of services provided.
12. Acquires knowledge or resources in assigned county/counites while maintaining an excellent working relationship with all providers.
13. Acts as a liaison with other community agencies/groups, funding sources and businesses that relate to the services provided to peers.
14. Participates in the on-call system according to WellSpan Philhaven ACT policy.

 Qualifications

• Minimum Experience:
  • 1 – 2 years
• Minimum Education:
  • High School Degree/GED
• Minimum Field Of Expertise:
  • Experience in navigating/personal knowledge and experience in the mental health system; professional office work experience
• Required Certification:
  • Certification as a Peer Support Specialist; or certification eligible
• Required Courses:
  • Must provide clearance per the Child Protective Services Law amended by PA Act 33 of 1985
• Skills:
  • Excellent human relations and oral/written communication skills; Must have valid driver’s license and qualify for WellSpan driving privileges 
  • Must obtain PA driver’s license in accordance with PA laws if license upon hire is out-of-state
  • Knowledge of and ability in the care and support of individuals in a specific age group