Certified Peer Support Specialist

Alternative Community Resource Programs•Ebensburg, PA

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides one-on-one, person-centered, recovery-oriented services to adults age 18 and over and/or youth and young adults ages 14–27 with serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbances. Services are provided in consumers’ homes and communities in conjunction with existing resources, and support recovery and community integration. Services may include advocacy, education, developing natural supports, support for work or other meaningful activities chosen by the person, crisis support, wellness activities, effective use of the service delivery system, and coordination and linkage to other service providers. The CPS is a self-identified person with a mental health diagnosis who has reached a point in their recovery where they can positively support others in similar situations. The ability to share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships is essential. The CPS participates as part of a recovery-treatment team and works cooperatively with treatment staff to support clients’ identified goals and needs. The position is responsible to the Certified Peer Specialist Program Director and Supervisor(s).

Requirements

Personal belief in recovery.
Problem-solving skills.
Hope and optimism that peers will succeed.
Sincere interest in peers’ welfare and ability to recognize each person as an individual with a unique recovery pathway.
Willingness to share personal recovery experiences.
Ability to flexibly engage people according to their 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.
Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
ACT 31 certificate.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license with a good driving record.
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 specifically focused on peer support and/or recovery practices.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Some travel required.

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 with recovery-based goal development and planning.
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, family, and staff.
Perform other job duties as required.
Help clients use strengths-based assessments to develop individualized goals and support them in working toward those goals.
Share useful staff contacts, community resources, and groups, and explain how they may be used in recovery.
Advocate for effective recovery-based services that support clients’ daily living and help reduce stigma.
Guide clients in using personal development tools, skills, and community resources.
Assist clients in building community social skills that may 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.
Observe confidentiality rules related to clinical information and treatment, internally and when dealing with external agencies or individuals.