Veteran Certified Peer Specialist

St. Luke's University Health Network•Lehighton, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) has lived experience of a mental health or co-occurring diagnosis and has reached a place in their recovery pathway where they can positively support others in a similar situation. The CPS partners with participants to facilitate their recovery and community integration through utilization of the Specialist’s personal life experience and first-hand recovery knowledge. The CPS is an active member of the integrated care team. The intent of this job description is to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Requirements

Minimum High School Diploma or GED
Must have competed Certified Peer Specialist training in Pennsylvania or meet criteria to complete approved two-week Certified Peer Specialist training within the first 2 months of hire and pass Pennsylvania Certification Board CPS exam within 6 months of completing the two-week course.
Must be a Veteran of the Armed Forces.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license along with a driving record in compliance with St. Luke’s Penn Foundation policy.

Responsibilities

Uses personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tools needed for self-management of their health condition(s) and pursuit of their personal wellness.
Provide recovery education spanning every phase of the recovery journey from pre-contemplation, engagement, preparation, and action to recovery maintenance.
Provide hope and encouragement regarding opportunities for involvement in community-based activities, i.e. work, school, relationships, physical activity, hobbies, etc.
Provide a model for people in recovery, staff, and family members as appropriate by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
Educate professional staff about the recovery process and the damaging role that stigma can play in undermining recovery.
Provide education and linkage to Veterans Administration health services as needed/desired.
Provide education and linkage to other health services as needed/desired.
Coach peers in identification of personal interests and goals in relationship to their recovery and “getting the life they want” in the community.
Coach peers to identify their strengths, abilities, and assets (both internal and external) that can be utilized to achieve their chosen goals and community roles.
Provide linkage to community-based skill acquisition opportunities, i.e. educational courses and self-help groups.
Identify and promote utilization of natural community resources that support peers’ goals and interests including educational, vocational, social, cultural, and spiritual resources. This can involve coaching and accompanying peers to visit resources and practice utilization.
Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies, with other stakeholders, to overcome these barriers.
In partnership with other agency members, develop reciprocal connections with community groups/agencies.
Encourage and coach peers in having their voices fully heard and their needs, goals, and objectives established as the focal point of treatment and rehabilitation services.
Work cooperatively with team members to support individual service participant choice and preferences.
Complete required documentation.
Complete required continuing education requirements of 18 hours of approved training per year with 12 hours specifically focused on peer support and/or recovery practices.
Participate in individual supervision and group peer specialist support meetings and training courses as defined by the agency, county, and state.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record in accordance with St. Luke’s policy.
Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.
Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
Demonstrates/models the Network’s PCRAFT values during interactions with all customers.
Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.