Peer Counselor I, Project Engage, Newark

Christiana Care Health Services • Newark, DE

35d • $20 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? As a Full Time Peer Counselor I, you’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality care and improving patient outcomes every day. This is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a patient-focused dedicated to transforming healthcare. The Project Engage program is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Counselor I to join our team. The Peer Counselor is a peer with lived experience recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD). S/he is responsible for engaging individuals who present at Christiana Care and who, through screening, are determined to need additional assessment and intervention for their substance use disorder. They will identify SUD treatment resources, make linkages, and provide coaching to ensure that patients are linked to appropriate services upon discharge from the hospital. The Peer Counselor is an individual who has a unique perspective because of his/her own experience with a substance use disorder who collaborates with other Peer Counselors, Discharge Coordinators, Project Engage administrative staff, hospital and emergency department clinical teams, and community-based substance use disorder treatment providers to identify resources for patients. Work Schedule Wednesday through Saturday: 11:00pm to 9:30am

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• The Peer Counselor is an individual who has a unique perspective because of his/her own experience with SUD or mental health disorder. S/he must be willing to self-disclose as appropriate and to attend training leading to certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist within one year of hire.
• One year experience working in the mental health field in voluntary or paid position required.
• Interested candidates should attach an updated copy of their resume during the application process.

Responsibilities

• Works with the staff of Project Engage, Emergency Departments and the hospital units to identify individuals who have signs and symptoms of substance use to screen, assess, and, as necessary, link those individuals to treatment in the community following discharge.
• Uses lived experience with a substance use or mental health disorder to engage and direct individuals who are in the hospital to acknowledge need for treatment and agree to service linkages and assists in supporting individuals to move ahead on their recovery paths.
• Engages patients at the bedside and conducts motivational interviewing to understand patient barriers and direct patient to get the appropriate level of care.
• Provides education on the dangers of drug and alcohol use for all patients not ready to receive SUD treatment. This includes educating patients, friends and/or family members on Narcan safety and use and providing Narcan to them.
• Utilizes open beds platform to identify available, appropriate treatment for all interested patients and submitting referrals in a timely manner.
• Follows up to see if patient is accepted and/or received treatment after discharge.
• Develop working relationships with ED and hospital case managers and PE discharge coordinators to coordinate care and discharge planning for patients interested in treatment.
• Document engagements each day on required forms and communicate pertinent information regarding patient engagements at the end of each day.
• Assists clients in setting goals based on their individual needs assessments, and in identifying steps to achieve their goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, etc.
• Two retirement planning offerings, including 403(b) with company contributions.
• Generous paid time off with annual roll-over and opportunities to cash out.
• 12 week paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance
• Incredible Work/Life benefits including annual membership to care.com, access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work, retirement planning services, financial coaching, fitness and wellness reimbursement, and great discounts through several vendors for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, insurance and much more!

What This Job Offers

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