FEP Certified Peer Specialist - Part Time

Child & Family Focus, Inc.•Allentown, PA

7d•$17 - $18

About The Position

The First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Program uses a Coordinated Specialty Care approach to support young people who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis. The team offers services including low-dose medication management, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Psychosis, family education, case management, supported education and employment, and certified peer support. Service coordination is guided by each young person’s voice and choice. The program aims to improve quality of life by fostering hope and empowerment, helping young people guide their treatment, learn about psychosis, rebuild relationships, and return to community activities such as school or work. The FEP Certified Peer Specialist works alongside young people in their treatment planning, providing advocacy and peer support to help them set and achieve recovery goals and increase self-advocacy. The position is 20 hours per week, with hours dependent on the assigned caseload and availability. Work takes place in an office and community settings, and evening hours may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Certified as a peer specialist (CPS) through a certified training program.
Effectively manage personal recovery from psychosis or other mental health challenges and be able to help others with similar experiences.
Within the last three years, have at least 12 months of successful full- or part-time work experience, or one year of post-secondary education totaling 24 credit hours.
Ability to share personal stories and experiences with the population served in a way that provides hope, reliability, compassion, and encouragement.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community resources in the Lehigh Valley.
Competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills related to psychosis.
Ability to help youth develop empowerment skills and combat stigma through self-advocacy.
Knowledge and skill in teaching and engaging youth in basic problem-solving strategies to support self-directed recovery.
Knowledge of community resources necessary for independent living and ability to teach those skills to youth with mental health needs.
Knowledge of how to establish and sustain self-help and educational groups by soliciting input from youth on their strengths and interests.

Responsibilities

Provide peer counseling and support to individuals seeking to enhance their quality of life.
Encourage recovery through mentorship and by fostering hope and empowerment.
Identify community and natural supports and help individuals access and participate in activities or events.
Use personal recovery experience to facilitate completion of treatment plans.
Assess progress on treatment plans, guide individuals in making changes, and celebrate successes.
Meet youth in the community where they reside or wherever services are most appropriately delivered.
Document progress using a computer in accordance with program guidelines and regulations.
Model and promote skills for employment, community integration, and independent living.
Participate in weekly group supervision and attend bi-weekly individual supervision.
Transport clients and families to appointments as needed based on caseload.
Document supervision and case activity in the electronic health record, progress notes, and other program paperwork.
Keep program files organized and file paperwork in youth-specific charts.
Attend required trainings to maintain CPS certification.
Use and implement the five core values of Trauma-Informed Care in work practices: Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, and Empowerment.
Perform other related duties when required or assigned.