Certified Peer Recovery Worker (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring Certified Peer Recovery Workers for Patient Central Services at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown. The position uses shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate, and mentor clients as they work toward individualized goals for successful community living. CVH provides trauma-informed, gender-responsive treatment focused on recovery, quality of life, and return to the community. The role supports clients in defining and following recovery plans, exercising their rights, building community connections, accessing resources, and participating in wellness and recovery-oriented activities. In inpatient settings, the work also includes coaching coping and community-adjustment skills, accompanying clients in hospital and community settings, and connecting them with community resources. These positions are full-time at 35 hours per week, with several schedules listed. Occasional travel to the Blue Hills Campus in Hartford may be required. A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer. Employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. Incumbents must possess and retain the Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential administered by the Connecticut Certification Board, Inc. Bilingual ability or fluency in American Sign Language, travel, and a valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required.

Requirements

At least six months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field, or six months of experience as a Certified Peer Recovery Worker Trainee substituted for the general experience.
Must possess and retain the Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential administered by the Connecticut Certification Board, Inc.
Knowledge of community support systems and resources; person-centered planning; Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery-management techniques; and psychiatric-rehabilitation principles and procedures.
Considerable interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Ability to observe and redirect client behavior and utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating peer-led meetings, groups, or activities.
Experience working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.
Experience providing recovery-oriented services to adults with severe mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Experience working and communicating as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Bilingual ability or fluency in American Sign Language may be required.
Ability to travel may be required.
A valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license may be required.

Responsibilities

Guide clients in defining personal recovery goals using evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools.
Support and guide clients in carrying out recovery-plan tasks, including goals related to employment, education, community involvement, and natural supports.
Help clients identify and exercise their rights.
Participate in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals.
Provide information and support, and encourage clients to develop community networks and participate in community activities.
Provide clients and families with instruction and skill training in recovery management.
Act as a peer health navigator to engage clients with, or at risk for, co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities.
Help clients find information about resources relevant to their wellness and obtain services that meet their recovery needs.
Support clients in dealing with internal and external stress.
Attend medical or clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity.
Accompany clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities.
Organize and conduct workshops on recovery and wellness topics, including local New Employee Orientation.
Observe and report client behavior; prepare and submit incident or related forms; update medical-record notes; and enter required computerized data.
Coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication, as needed.
Provide outreach and transportation, as needed.
In inpatient settings, demonstrate and coach coping and community-adjustment skills and link clients with community resources.
Accompany clients off the unit and around the hospital campus or community to practice managing unexpected situations, stress, and disorientation.
Accompany clients on community day passes to help them acclimate to their community.
Provide coverage at the Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population, as needed.
Perform related duties as required.