Peer Support Specialist (Full-Time)

Horizon House Careers • East Norriton, PA

20d

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer support services and therapeutic interactions to promote empowerment, self-determination, understanding, coping skills, and resilience through mentoring and service-coordination support. The role assists program participants with mental illnesses in regaining control over their lives and recovery processes. It involves frequent interactions with peers at different stages of recovery and may include supporting crisis intervention in an ancillary role, as well as educating and supporting peers in developing and implementing WRAP and Advanced Directives. Local travel is required, including transporting program participants, and the position requires scheduling flexibility and availability for 24-hour on-call coverage.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and one year of paid or volunteer work, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, or training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Self-identify as having met the criteria for severe mental illness as defined in the Mental Health Bulletin (OMH-94-04), and use or have used mental health and/or co-occurring services.
• Be trained and certified to help peers identify and achieve specific self-determined goals.
• Hold certification as a Peer Support Specialist from a Pennsylvania State-approved entity.
• Demonstrate knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and the ability to model and mentor the recovery process and demonstrate practical coping skills.
• Have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Be able to lift, carry, fold, kneel, stack, stoop, and bend, potentially including direct intervention with clients.
• Possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Perform light lifting and/or carrying of up to 25 pounds.
• Travel locally, including transporting program participants.
• Have scheduling flexibility and availability for 24-hour on-call coverage.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and support, in collaboration with the team, to help program participants identify self-determined goals.
• Mentor program participants to promote hope and empowerment in their recovery process.
• Educate other team members informally to foster understanding and empathy for each person’s subjective experiences and perceptions.
• Collaborate with the team to foster a culture that supports self-determination and decision-making in recovery planning.
• Help program participants identify, understand, and combat stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, and develop strategies to reduce self-stigma.
• Serve as liaison between the team and client-run programs, such as self-help groups and drop-in centers.
• May assist with emergency crisis intervention in an ancillary or supportive role.
• Educate and support peers in developing and implementing WRAP and Advanced Directives.
• Transport program participants as needed.

What This Job Offers

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