Certified Peer Specialist

Community Behavioral Health.•Philadelphia, PA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and addiction recovery. This position focuses on leveraging personal lived experiences to foster hope and resilience in clients, guiding them towards recovery and self-sufficiency. The specialist will work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized recovery plans, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support systems. By facilitating group sessions and one-on-one interactions, the specialist will help clients navigate their journeys, promoting empowerment and self-advocacy. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality of life for clients and assist them in achieving their personal recovery goals. The required skills in human services and crisis intervention are essential for effectively supporting clients in distressing situations. Daily work will involve applying mental health counseling techniques to foster a safe and trusting environment for clients. Skills in motivational interviewing will be utilized to encourage clients to explore their goals and aspirations, enhancing their engagement in the recovery process. Additionally, knowledge of addiction recovery will inform the development of tailored strategies that address the unique challenges faced by clients. Preferred skills in social services and child welfare will further enrich the support provided, ensuring a holistic approach to client care.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED preferred
Completion and certification through Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services Certified Peer Specialist/Certified Recovery Specialist training curriculum.
PA Child Abuse Clearance required
Community Based/Clinic Setting experience.
Strong communication skills
Possesses at least 1 - 2 years of direct service experience as a Peer Support Specialist.
Ability to travel throughout Philadelphia, navigation of public transportation system
Familiar with services for adults and children in the managed care system
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and able to type 20 words per minute
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Compliant with HIPAA regulations
Must be able to travel within Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
Regularly requires walking, standing, stooping, bending, sitting, reaching, pushing, pulling and/or repetitive wrist/hand movements for various lengths of time throughout the day.
Ability to utilize computers and office equipment to complete daily work responsibilities.
Regularly works inside in areas that are adequately lighted and ventilated. Some fluctuation in temperature. No protective equipment routinely needed.
Must be able to adapt to continuous changes/demands of the job.
The successful candidate must be a current Philadelphia resident or become a resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator Preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts outreach and builds rapport with the members identified by their team.
Works directly with members and their natural supports in the community during 50 - 75% of work hours or 10 -15 days per month.
Meets with members to provide encouragement, hope, emotional support, and positive feedback to reinforce positive behaviors.
Assists in assessment of member’s readiness for change and willingness to engage in services.
Applies motivational interviewing techniques to encourage member engagement in treatment.
Works with Clinical Care Managers and other members of the team to facilitate care coordination and connection to meet members’ goals.
Communicates and responds to internal and external phone calls and e-mails in a timely fashion.
Conducts follow up with members in the community to review their understanding of medication and follow-up care needs.
Conducts telephonic follow-up and in-person meetings at the provider site or member’s home.
Assists members to ensure that tasks such as making medical appointments, filling prescriptions, attending behavioral health appointments are performed.
Identifies and connects members to resources addressing social determinants of health.
Monitors/identifies potential barriers to treatment and works with the treatment team to resolve them.
Attends regular meetings with provider and MCOs to discuss barriers and create solutions.
Completes daily logs and documentation of member encounters.