Peer Counselor I, Project Engage- Wilmington

ChristianaCare • Wilmington, DE

8d • $20 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

ChristianaCare’s Project Engage is hiring a 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) or a mental health disorder and uses that perspective to build trusting relationships, advocate for patients, and support recovery. The role engages patients identified through screening as needing further assessment or intervention for substance use, identifies treatment resources, makes referrals and linkages, and coaches patients so they can connect with appropriate services after hospital discharge.

The Peer Counselor works with other Peer Counselors, Discharge Coordinators, Project Engage administrative staff, hospital and emergency department clinical teams, case managers, and community-based SUD treatment providers. The role requires appropriate self-disclosure and attendance at 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 as appropriate.
• Willingness to attend training leading to 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.

Responsibilities

• Work with Project Engage, Emergency Department, and hospital-unit staff to identify people with signs and symptoms of substance use, screen and assess them, and link them to community treatment after discharge as appropriate.
• Use lived experience with a substance use or mental health disorder to engage patients, encourage recognition of the need for treatment, support agreement to service linkages, and help patients move forward in recovery.
• Engage patients at the bedside and use motivational interviewing to understand barriers and guide them toward 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 on Narcan safety and use and providing Narcan.
• Use the open beds platform to identify available, appropriate treatment for interested patients, submit referrals promptly, and follow up on acceptance or 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 engagement information 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.
• Work/life benefits including an annual Care.com membership, backup care services for dependents through Care@Work, retirement planning services, financial coaching, fitness and wellness reimbursement, and discounts through vendors.

What This Job Offers

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