Certified Peer Specialist

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

13d

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. The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) has the lived experience of a mental health or co-occurring diagnosis and has reached a place in their recovery pathway where they can positively support others in a similar situation. The CPS partners with participants to facilitate their recovery and community integration through utilization of the Specialist’s personal life experience and first-hand recovery knowledge. The CPS is an active member of the integrated care team, and may be employed to work in special programs, such as Victory for Veterans.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
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.
Victory for Veterans Peer Specialists must be a Veteran of the armed forces.

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.
Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.
Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
Demonstrates/models the Network’s PCRAFT values during interactions with all customers.
Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.
Other duties as assigned.