Certified Peer Specialist - Victory for Veterans Program

St. Luke’s University Health Network•Lehighton, PA

About The Position

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care. About the Victory for Veterans Program: Victory for Veterans is a free, community-based support program for Veterans who are actively struggling with suicidality and their families. Veterans receive compassionate care from other Veterans who understand their challenges. They are empowered to direct their own recovery and self-advocacy process and to develop skills and connections to the community. Our ultimate goal is to foster their sense of wellness and self-worth, leading to a sense of meaning and purpose and ultimately reducing suicidality. Job Locations: Carbon and Schuylkill counties The Veteran Certified Peer Specialist has the lived experience of service in the armed forces along with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use challenges and is willing to partner with Veterans to facilitate their recovery and community integration through utilization of their own personal life experience and first-hand recovery knowledge. The Veteran Peer Specialist will perform a variety of tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery and personal wellness, learning and practicing new skills, helping them monitor their progress, modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialist's own recovery experience, and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services. Services are both offered individually to Veterans and also within an informal group context. Role of a Certified Peer Specialist: Certified Peer Specialists are Veterans who have experienced similar challenges and partner with you to work on your specific goals. Social: Get out into the community to meet new people and build connections – go on Rucks or hikes, fish, etc. Vocational: Develop a resume, look for and apply for jobs, talk to employers about job opportunities, etc. Educational: Research community educational opportunities, fill out applications, organize homework, research funding and grants, etc. Independent Living: Learn how to budget, pay bills, maintain a schedule, look up recipes, apply for housing, etc. Wellness: Learn about medications, connect to physical or behavioral health treatment, practice coping skills, connect with 12-Step groups, etc.

Requirements

Must be a Veteran of the Armed Forces
Must have competed Certified Peer Specialist training in Pennsylvania or meet criteria to complete approved two-week Certified Peer Specialist training within the first 2 months of hire and pass Pennsylvania Certification Board CPS exam within 6 months of completing the two-week course.

Responsibilities

Uses personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tools needed for self-management of their health condition(s) and pursuit of their personal wellness.
Provide recovery education spanning every phase of the recovery journey from pre-contemplation (engagement), preparation, and action to recovery maintenance.
Provide hope and encouragement regarding opportunities for involvement in community-based activities, i.e. work, school, relationships, physical activity, hobbies, etc.).
Provide a model for people in recovery, staff, and family members as appropriate) by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
Educate professional staff about the recovery process and the damaging role that stigma can play in undermining recovery.
Provide education and linkage to professional behavioral health services as needed/desired.
Coach peers in identification of personal interests and goals in relationship to their recovery and “getting the life they want” in the community.
Coach peers to identify their strengths, abilities, and assets (both internal and external) that can be utilized to achieve their chosen goals and community roles.
Provide linkage to community-based skill acquisition opportunities, i.e. educational courses and self-help groups.
Identify and promote utilization of natural community resources that support peers’ goals and interests including educational, vocational, social, cultural, and spiritual resources. This can involve coaching and accompanying peers to visit resources and practice utilization.
Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies, with other stakeholders, to overcome these barriers.
In partnership with other agency members, develop reciprocal connections with community groups/agencies.
Encourage and coach peers in having their voices fully heard and their needs, goals, and objectives established as the focal point of treatment and rehabilitation services.
Work cooperatively with team members to support individual service participant choice and preferences.
Maintain productivity requirements.
Complete required state and funding source documentation.
Complete required continuing education requirements of 18 hours of county-approved training per year with 12 hours specifically focused on peer support and/or recovery practices.
Participate in individual supervision and group peer specialist support meetings and trainings as defined by the agency, county, and state.
Maintain valid driver’s license/safe driving record in accordance with St. Luke’s policy.