Forensic Veteran Certified Peer Specialist

PMHCC • Philadelphia, PA

6d

About The Position

The Veteran Initiatives Forensic Certified Peer Specialist (VICPS) works in the Veteran Initiatives Unit (VIU) within the Behavioral Health and Justice Division (BHJD) of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). The position supports veterans referred to DBHIDS by promoting active participation in their recovery and inspiring hope that recovery is possible. Referrals may come from Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Veteran Court, the BHJD Resource Portal, family, and other sources. The primary focus is the veteran being served, with support provided in the veteran’s community environment.

The VICPS helps veterans better understand their behavioral health, advocate for themselves, develop interpersonal skills and social networks, strengthen budgeting skills, plan leisure and recreational activities, and connect with self-help groups and other community resources to advance personal recovery objectives. The role also supports independent living, wellness, and self-directed recovery.

Requirements

• Must be a veteran who completed the first military term with a General discharge or higher; a DD214 must be sent with the application or brought to the interview.
• Must have completed Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist training, including the DBH-sponsored CPS Training Program or Certified Recovery Specialist training.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be a current or former recipient of behavioral health services for at least two years.
• Must have achieved at least one year of recovery.
• Must have prior forensic involvement.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills and work effectively with people without regard to protected characteristics.
• Must have creative problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment, and use a computer for service documentation.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in a social science field is preferred.
• Prior experience working with criminal courts or in other criminal justice environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with the VIU Manager to provide supportive services to veterans referred through the Philadelphia Municipal Court Veterans Court, BHJD Resource Portal, family, and other referral sources.
• Assist veterans with behavioral health challenges in developing forensic recovery plans and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
• Support veterans in developing independent living skills through referrals to professional agencies, self-help organizations, and other support strategies.
• Conduct outreach and develop relationships with community resources that can help veterans.
• Conduct community outreach to veterans, including people who are homeless or dishonorably discharged, and connect them with resources that may divert them from the criminal justice system.
• Promote awareness of available service options and choices, and encourage the use of natural community resources.
• Help individuals direct their own recovery, build hope, and acquire and use skills needed for recovery.
• Facilitate development of self-worth and wellness.
• Track project outcomes and data, monitor veterans’ treatment progress, and enter data into tracking systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED