Peer Counselor I, Project Engage- Wilmington

Christiana Care Health Services•Newark, DE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

ChristianaCare’s Project Engage is seeking a compassionate, dependable full-time Peer Counselor I to support the Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department. The Peer Counselor has lived experience recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD) and engages individuals who, through screening, are identified as needing additional assessment or intervention. The role identifies treatment resources, makes service linkages, and coaches patients so they can 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 to identify and coordinate resources for patients. The schedule is Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Mondays through Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.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.
Attend training leading to certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist within one year of hire.
At least 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 and encourage hospitalized individuals to acknowledge the need for treatment, agree to service linkages, and advance their recovery.
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 for SUD treatment about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, including educating patients, friends, and 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 promptly.
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 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.
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 through vendors for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, and insurance.
Employee assistance program.