CERTIFIED PEER COUNSELOR

The GEO Group•Chester, PA

19d

About The Position

The Certified Peer Counselor promotes growth, recovery, and wellness among residents receiving mental health services. Working closely with the clinical team, this position guides and supports residents through the recovery process and helps them develop skills in self-esteem, conflict resolution, assertiveness, identifying personal strengths, and other areas. The counselor also helps create a peer culture within the treatment facility. The role facilitates cognitive behavioral curriculum in group settings, builds and maintains community-service networks, and develops relationships with program administrators who can support residents after release. The counselor helps residents navigate public financial support, insurance, and other community resources; obtain eligible benefits and proper identification; and work with their case manager or treatment team to set recovery goals. The position also transports residents to community service events using a Company vehicle and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent certification.
State-issued Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification for the state in which the position functions.
One year of experience as a volunteer, facilitator, or counselor in a community rehabilitative setting.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and handle difficult interpersonal contacts.
Valid, active driver’s license.
Ability to work with computers and the software typically used by the department.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitate group cognitive behavioral curriculum focused on motivation for change, social adjustment, personal management, social skills development, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving skills.
Establish and maintain a network of community-based services, including state agencies, employment services, employers, housing resources, behavioral health providers, and mental health providers.
Develop and maintain relationships with state, county, and federal program administrators who can assist residents upon release.
Support residents in navigating public financial support, insurance, and other community resources.
Help residents obtain eligible benefits and proper identification.
Transport residents to community service events, such as job fairs, employment centers, and clinics, using a Company vehicle.
Identify members for peer council and advocate with collateral contacts.
Assist residents in working with their case manager or treatment team to determine steps toward their recovery goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.