Forensic Peer Support Specialist - Westmoreland County Prison

Glade Run Lutheran Services•Hempfield Township, PA

33d•$14 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The role of the Forensic Peer Support Specialist – Forensic Services Support Program is to provide re-entry peer support as part of a multidisciplinary team within Westmoreland County Prison, to individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse history. Service provision will focus on working with clients to enhance their recovery through gaining skills, accessing resources, and developing natural support and independence as they transition back into the community. The Peer Support Specialist will serve as a mentor and advocate to individuals in or seeking out recovery. Glade Run recognizes that pairing lived experiences of people in recovery plays a significant role as the individual moves through the criminal justice system and returns to the community is critical.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED certificate.
Peer Support Specialist certification (Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, or Certified Family Recovery Support Specialist)
Past or present consumer of mental health or substance abuse services with a history of managing one's illness.
Minimum of one year experience working in the community-based settings preferred.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and access to a reliable automobile
Ability to adapt hours to needs of position
Access to a telephone
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with agency personnel and community stakeholders
Must be comfortable working in a correctional facility environment
Must have emotional stability to perform essential job functions
Must be able to work quickly and effectively
Must be able to be able to work in a flexible environment
Must participate in regularly scheduled supervision and team meetings
Must be able to exemplify professional boundaries at all times
Ability to remain organized despite pressured situations.
Must have acceptable PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance
Must be able to identify with the agency’s Mission Statement and support the agency’s Core Values.

Responsibilities

Establish rapport with the client to provide orientation in regards to how services are delivered including frequency of services.
Provide direct peer recommendations based on own lived experience.
Develop an Individualized Recovery plan for the client to identify appropriate resources and supports. Review the Individualized Plan with clients on a weekly basis to ensure they are receiving the necessary support to aid in their recovery.
Complete all required documentation and assessments in an accurate and timely manner.
Coach and support the individual to expand their comfort levels in other settings to assist them with connecting to other formal and informal community supports.
Work cooperatively as part of a team to provide individuals with the best treatment possible including collaborating closely with the County Forensic Services Manager, the criminal justice system, and the county jail staff in the County Prison, treatment members of the FSSP, and other community resources.
Provide reports/testimony regarding progress, support and encourage individuals in adhering to any court sanctioned follow up/through, and assist individuals with advocating for themselves as well as providing advocacy as needed.
Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment both internally and while working with external agencies and individuals.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and paid holidays for full-time staff
401K offerings with agency match at $1.00 per dollar contributed up to 4% of salary
Agency provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage for full-time staff
Voluntary benefit options; including Disability Insurance (Short-Term Disability), Cancer Coverage, Critical Illness, Medical Bridge, Accident Insurance, Life Insurance and Identify Theft Protection
Paid mileage reimbursement
Paid training and administrative time
Cell phone reimbursement
Licensure Supervision for FREE!
Free credentialing assistance
Quarterly productivity incentives
Tuition reimbursement for full-time staff
Flexible work schedules (as applicable)
Annual merit increases for eligible positions based upon the yearly budget
New Hire Incentive Bonuses
Employee Referral Bonus Incentives
Employee Discount Program
Approved Agency for Public Student Loan Forgiveness
Employee Assistance Program
Partnership with Capella University offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and free professional development opportunities
Opportunities for membership to civic/community organizations