Peer Counselor I, Project Engage, Wilmington - Overnight Shift

ChristianaCare • Wilmington, DE

8d • $20 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

ChristianaCare’s Project Engage is seeking a compassionate, dependable Peer Counselor I to support the Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department. The Peer Counselor uses lived experience recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health disorder to build trusting relationships, advocate for patients, and engage individuals identified through screening as needing additional assessment or intervention for substance use. The role identifies treatment resources, makes connections to services, and coaches patients to help ensure they are linked to appropriate care after hospital discharge.

The Peer Counselor collaborates with other Peer Counselors, Discharge Coordinators, Project Engage administrative staff, hospital and emergency department clinical teams, and community-based substance use treatment providers. The position works Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Personal experience with a substance use disorder or mental health disorder and willingness to self-disclose as appropriate.
• Willingness to attend training leading to certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist within one year of hire.
• One year of experience working in the mental health field in a voluntary or paid position.

Responsibilities

• Work with Project Engage, Emergency Department, and hospital unit staff to identify individuals showing signs and symptoms of substance use, screen and assess them, and link them to community treatment following discharge as appropriate.
• Use lived experience with a substance use or mental health disorder to engage hospitalized individuals, encourage recognition of treatment needs, support service linkages, and assist them in moving forward on their recovery paths.
• Engage patients at the bedside and use motivational interviewing to understand barriers and direct patients to an appropriate level of care.
• Educate patients who are not ready to receive SUD treatment about the dangers of drug and alcohol use; educate patients, friends, and family members about Narcan safety and use, and provide Narcan.
• Use the open beds platform to identify available and appropriate treatment for interested patients, submit referrals promptly, and follow up to determine whether patients were accepted or received treatment after discharge.
• Develop working relationships with Emergency Department and hospital case managers and Project Engage discharge coordinators to coordinate care and discharge planning for patients interested in treatment.
• Document daily engagements on required forms and communicate pertinent information about patient engagements at the end of each day.
• Assist clients in setting goals based on individual needs assessments and identifying steps to achieve those goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Two retirement planning offerings, including a 403(b) with company contributions.
• Paid time off with annual rollover and opportunities to cash out.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Work/life benefits including an annual Care.com membership, access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work, retirement planning services, financial coaching, fitness and wellness reimbursement, and discounts through vendors.
• Employee assistance program.

What This Job Offers

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