Peer Support Specialist III

Rutgers University • Edison, NJ

58d • $27 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Peer Support Specialist III within the Outpatient Services of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare.

The Peer Support Specialist III is a member of a team offering person centered, culturally competent instrumental, information and emotional support either in person or by phone. The Peer Support Specialist III uses lived experience and basic peer support skills to engage and empower persons served to support their wellness. Offers insight into the experience of living with a mental and/or substance use disorder and relevant recovery supports in order to assist staff in identifying program environments and treatment approaches that are conducive to recovery.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

Engages individuals served in a collaborative and caring relationship.
Uses his/her own lived experiences with mental and/or substance use recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and build relationships with the individuals served and/or their family member(s).
Demonstrates good communication skills, wellness and recovery oriented coping skills and self-help strategies for individuals served and team members.
Assists consumers in identifying their strengths and wellness needs in order to establish recovery goals; assists in setting objectives for each goal and collaborates to determine recovery and wellness supports.
Is actively involved in the development of the consumers treatment/recovery and where applicable assists in development of wellness and recovery plans.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least three (3) years of previous relevant experience required.
• At least two (2) of the three (3) years must be lived experience with the target population.
• Must be certified or eligible for certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Family Advocate.
• If not certified, documented demonstrated progress toward completion of Peer Support Certification within 12 months is required.
• Must possess valid driver's license or alternate means of transportation for use to outreach individuals served.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team in a collegial group environment.
• Be able to use a computer to record services and other basic office functions.
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check including finger printing is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a social or healthcare field and/or a mental health capacity preferred.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English or Cantonese/English or Mandarin/English) are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engages individuals served in a collaborative and caring relationship.
• Uses his/her own lived experiences with mental and/or substance use recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and build relationships with the individuals served and/or their family member(s).
• Demonstrates good communication skills, wellness and recovery oriented coping skills and self-help strategies for individuals served and team members.
• Assists consumers in identifying their strengths and wellness needs in order to establish recovery goals; assists in setting objectives for each goal and collaborates to determine recovery and wellness supports.
• Is actively involved in the development of the consumers treatment/recovery and where applicable assists in development of wellness and recovery plans.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees