Certified Peer Specialist

Y.A.P.A. Apartment Living Program Inc•Mohnton, PA

7d•$17 - $18

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)/Recovery Specialist (CRS) partners with Members experiencing behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, and/or developmental disabilities. Using a person-centered approach and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), the specialist supports Members in identifying and working toward their goals, developing self-worth and self-advocacy, and improving their quality of life. The role uses nonjudgmental listening and appropriate sharing of lived experience to mentor Members and foster a culture of recovery and hope. The specialist collaborates with Members and the treatment team on individualized goals, recovery plans, wellness, vocational development, and community integration. The position also facilitates groups, documents Member activities and progress in the electronic health record, and supports Members in accessing community resources and appointments. Staff are expected to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support and to seek consultation or supervision when needed. The position includes physically demanding tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds. It also requires the ability to apply physical restraint techniques in emergencies to prevent immediate harm, with specific crisis de-escalation and restraint training and incident reporting.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet CPS/CRS training qualifications and provide documentation of completing CPS or RPS training in its entirety.
Maintain CPS/CRS certification throughout employment in this capacity.
Valid, non-commercial driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to operate company vehicles in accordance with safety regulations.
Skilled in Microsoft Office.
High energy, strong work ethic, and ability to multitask.
Self-motivated.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds.
Ability to apply physical restraint techniques in emergency situations, with required crisis de-escalation and restraint training.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Interest and ability in having fun in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Meet regularly with Members to identify interests, strengths, goals, dreams, and aspirations, offering encouragement and empowerment through shared experience.
Enhance Members’ strengths and capabilities.
Collaborate with Members and the treatment team to develop individualized treatment plan goals.
Collaborate with Members on developing and using their Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
Provide support and follow up on treatment interventions as directed by the treatment team.
Facilitate groups based on skills, passions, Member needs, and wellness outcomes; co-facilitate groups as requested by program leadership.
Attend and participate in treatment team meetings, offering feedback and peer perspectives.
Support Members in planning for and attending 12 Step meetings, finding a Sponsor, and doing Step Work when appropriate.
Support Members in using DBT skills as taught by the team.
Advocate for Members and teach and encourage self-advocacy skills.
Welcome newly admitted Members and assist with program orientation, tours, and introductions to the community and staff.
Promote community integration by connecting Members with resources, mutual-help groups, social clubs, and volunteer and paid job opportunities.
Serve as a role model and appropriately share personal experience with Members, families, and staff to demonstrate that recovery is possible.
Support Members in developing and implementing transition goals and plans.
Document Member progress, goals, challenges, strengths, skills, supports, and meaningful activities in the electronic health record in a timely manner.
Participate in agency workgroups, trainings, and meetings, and complete continuing education requirements.
Maintain CPS/CRS certification.
Provide group vocational education and individual vocational training or coaching.
Support Members with job readiness, including resume development, mock interviews, and skill building.
Provide vocational and educational resources to Members.
Support Members in making healthy choices related to health and wellness and assist with PCP and other wellness appointments in the community.
Participate in multidisciplinary treatment teams and support and implement team interventions and directives.
Demonstrate compassion and concern consistent with the organization’s mission and core values; engage Members nonjudgmentally and treat them with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Seek consultation from a Clinician, NP, Psychiatrist, Program Director, or supervisor when uncertain how to respond to or support a Member.
Report observations to the treatment team when a Member may need additional treatment interventions or support.
Interact professionally and provide positive customer service to external parties.
Value and support a trauma-informed and trauma-empowered workplace.
Perform physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds; apply trained physical restraint techniques in emergencies when needed to prevent immediate harm and complete required incident reporting.