Peer Counselor I, Project Engage, Wilmington - Overnight Shift

Christiana Care Health Services•Newark, DE

7d•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 is a peer with lived experience recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health disorder. The role engages patients who are identified through screening as needing additional assessment or intervention for substance use, identifies treatment resources, makes referrals and linkages, and provides coaching to help patients connect with appropriate services 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 SUD treatment providers. The schedule is Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of experience in the mental health field in a voluntary or paid position, willingness to self-disclose appropriately, and willingness to complete training leading to Certified Peer Recovery Specialist certification within one year of hire.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Lived experience with a substance use disorder or mental health disorder.
Willingness to self-disclose appropriately.
Willingness to attend training and obtain Certified Peer Recovery Specialist certification within one year of hire.
One year of experience working in the mental health field in a voluntary or paid position.
Attach an updated resume during the application process.

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 patients, encourage recognition of treatment needs, support agreement to service linkages, and assist them on their recovery paths.
Engage patients at the bedside and conduct motivational interviewing to understand barriers and guide 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, including educating patients, friends, or family members about Narcan safety and use and providing Narcan.
Use the open beds platform to identify available and appropriate treatment for interested patients and submit referrals in a timely manner.
Follow up to determine whether patients were accepted for or received treatment after discharge.
Build 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 with 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.
Generous paid time off with annual rollover and opportunities to cash out.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Tuition assistance.
Annual Care.com membership and access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work.
Retirement planning services and financial coaching.
Fitness and wellness reimbursement.
Discounts for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, insurance, and other vendors.
Employee assistance program.