Peer Support Specialist

Horizon House Careers•Swarthmore, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Horizon House is a nationally recognized provider of services to adults with support needs due to developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues and substance abuse. With over 100 locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and the state of Delaware, Horizon House provides services to a diverse population focusing on individual strengths and choices. Horizon House is currently seeking a dedicated Certified Peer Specialist to fill an opening within our Delaware County, PA based program. The Certified Peer Support Specialist will provide peer support services, therapeutic interactions designed to promote empowerment, self-determination, understanding, coping skills, and resilience through mentoring and service coordination supports. Assist program participants with mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders to regain control over their own lives and their own recovery process.

Requirements

A person who is self identified as having met the criteria for serious mental illness as defined in the Mental Health Bulletin (OMH-94-04) who utilizes or has utilized mental health and/or co-occurring services and has been trained and certified to help her/his peer identify and achieve specific self-determined goals.
Must be a certified Peer Specialist certified by a PA State approved entity.
Demonstrates knowledge of recovery/wellness principles and ability to model and mentor the recovery process and demonstrate effective coping skills.
A high school diploma or GED or one year of paid or volunteer work; or any combination of experience, education or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skill and ability required.
Ability to establish supporting trusting relationships with people with mental illness and respect for peoples’ rights and personal preferences is essential.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Possession a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Frequent interactions with peers who are at different stages of recovery.

Responsibilities

Managing and provides peer support services for an assigned caseload of individuals.
Serving as a mentor to program participants to promote hope and empowerment in their recovery process.
Assisting program participant’s in identifying, understanding, and combating stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self- stigma.
Assisting participants to access housing, education, work, or other meaningful activities.
Promoting a culture in which self-determination and decision-making in recovery planning are supported.
May be required to assist with crisis intervention in emergency situations including educating and supporting peers in the development and implementation of WRAP and Advanced Directives.