Certified Peer Support Specialist

Alternative Community Resource Programs•Johnstown, PA

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist provides one-on-one, person-centered, recovery-oriented services to adults 18 and over and/or youth and young adults ages 14–27 who have serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbances. The role supports recovery and community integration through services delivered in consumers’ homes and communities, in conjunction with existing resources. Services may include advocacy, education, developing natural supports, supporting work or other meaningful activities chosen by the person, crisis support, wellness activities, effective use of the service delivery system, and service coordination and linkage to other providers. The specialist is a self-identified individual with a mental health diagnosis who has reached a point in their recovery where they can positively support others in similar situations. Sharing personal recovery experiences and building authentic peer-to-peer relationships are essential to the role. The position is responsible to the Certified Peer Specialist Program Director and Supervisor(s).

Requirements

A personal belief in recovery.
Problem-solving skills.
Genuine hope and optimism that peers will succeed.
A sincere interest in peers’ welfare and the ability to see each person as an individual with a unique recovery pathway.
Willingness to share personal recovery experience.
Ability to engage flexibly according to people’s receptivity and individual needs, recognizing that needs may change over time.
Effective written and verbal communication, boundary-setting, and computer skills.
Ability to learn and share skills and tools suited to clients’ recovery needs, including providing information about helpful staff, community resources, and groups and how to use them.
Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
ACT 31 certificate.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable personal transportation for travel to consumers’ homes and communities.
Willingness to complete and pass the mandatory 75-hour peer specialist certification training program, including oral and written examinations.
Willingness to complete 18 hours of approved continuing education annually, including 12 hours focused specifically on peer support and/or recovery practices.

Responsibilities

Participate as a member of a recovery-treatment team.
Provide recovery education to consumers, family members, and professional staff.
Act as a community liaison by developing relationships with service agencies and other organizations.
Provide outreach and engagement between consumers and support organizations.
Assist consumers in developing recovery-based goals and plans.
Facilitate community integration and consistent use of natural resources.
Facilitate skill-building activities.
Promote self-advocacy skills and opportunities.
Facilitate linkage to treatment services.
Provide long-term engagement, support, and encouragement to consumers, families, and staff.
Perform other job duties as required.
Help clients use a strengths-based assessment to develop individualized goals and support them in working toward those goals.
Share personal recovery experience and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.
Provide and advocate for effective recovery-based services that support clients’ daily living and aim to reduce stigma.
Guide clients in using personal-development tools, skills, and community resources.
Assist clients in building community social skills that can enhance job obtainment.
Offer encouragement during crises and use trauma-informed practices.
Work cooperatively with treatment staff to develop treatment and recovery plans based on clients’ identified goals and needs.
Maintain confidentiality of clinical information and treatment in dealings with internal and external parties.