Peer Support Specialist

We are seeking qualified candidates for the Peer Support Specialist position. The position is responsible for providing peer support services and therapeutic interactions designed to promote empowerment, self-determination, understanding, coping skills, and resilience through mentoring and service coordination supports. Assist program participants with mental illnesses in regaining control over their own lives and their recovery process.

Other responsibilities include the following:

• In collaboration with the team, provide program participants with counseling and support to identify self-determined goals.

• Serve as a mentor to program participants to promote hope and empowerment in their recovery process.

• Act as an informal educator to other team members, facilitating understanding and empathy for each person's unique and subjective experiences and perceptions.

• Collaborate with the team to foster a culture that supports self-determination and decision-making in recovery planning.

• Assist program participants in identifying, understanding, and combating stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.

• Serve as the liaison between the team and client-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.

Qualification:

• Ideal candidates will have a High school diploma or GED with one year of paid or volunteer work, or any combination of experience, education, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skill, and ability required.

• A person who is self-identified as having met the criteria for severe mental illness as defined in the Mental Health Bulletin (OMH-94-04) who utilizes or has utilized mental health and/or co-occurring services and has been trained and certified to help her/his peer identify and achieve specific self-determined goals.

• Must be a certified Peer Support Specialist certified by a PA State-approved entity.

• Demonstrates knowledge of recovery/wellness principles and ability to model and mentor the recovery process and demonstrate practical coping skills.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.

Scope:

• Frequent interactions with peers who are at different stages of recovery.

• May be required to assist with crisis intervention in emergencies in an ancillary/supportive role, educating and supporting peers in the development and implementation of WRAP and Advanced Directives.

• Requires the ability to lift, carry, fold, kneel, stack, stoop, and bend, which may include direct intervention with clients.

• Possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

• Light lifting and/or carrying, not to exceed 25 lbs.

• Local travel required, including transporting program participants.

• Flexibility in scheduling and available to do 24-hour on-call coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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