Certified Peer Specialist

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is seeking a compassionate Part Time Certified Peer Specialist to join our Team today! (Philadelphia)

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides peer support services in individual and group settings to adults who are experiencing behavioral health challenges. Supporting, modeling, teaching, and advocating are some of the duties assigned required of this position. Part -time 2 days per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Models the understanding that individuals served are equal members of their Recovery Team.
2. Assists in group and/or individual orientation process for individuals who are admitted to NVWR for service, as well as new staff members, as needed.
3. Partners with assigned individuals to assist, encourage, coach, support their recovery journey, and, when applicable, implement interventions to stabilize and decrease risk of hospitalization.
4.  Assists in articulating abilities and strengths, and teaches them how to use personal assets for advancing their own recovery.
5. Engages individuals in developing Wellness and Recovery Plans by assisting them in articulating goals, helping them understand the diagnoses and plan components, and ensuring that the individual’s goals and preferences are central in the planning process (i.e. Recovery Plan Meeting).
6. Assists in engagement and re-engagement of individuals with the supports and interventions identified in their Wellness and Recovery Plans.
7. Coaches individuals on developing and practicing skills needed to achieve recovery goals.
8. Teaches self-advocacy skills to assigned individuals.
9. Identifies community resources and facilitates individuals’ involvement with them and other peer supports, such as self-help groups.
10. Keeps team and supervisor informed of accomplishments, obstacles and problematic issues experienced
11. Assists team with crisis intervention, as directed by supervisor
12. Assists with follow up after discharge to assess and address obstacles that interfere with community reintegration and participation with the Continuing Support Plan
13. Provides expertise and consultation to other staff regarding service recipient perspectives concerning experiences with behavioral health challenges or co-occurring disorders, the effects and side effects of medication, responses to and opinions of treatment, experiences of recovery, and what makes recovery possible.
14. Completes required documentation following each contact with an assigned individual or group, within the designated timeframes.
15. Reports all serious incidents and potential emergency situations, employee and resident injuries, vehicular accidents, and breaches in policy and procedures to the supervisor on duty.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintains current Pennsylvania Peer Specialist Certification.
2. Completes all required annual training.
3. Attends monthly meeting/training, and all other meetings, as assigned.
4. Maintains confidentiality of information related to the individuals served.
5. Interacts in a respectful manner with individuals served, coworkers and visitors.
6. Abides by all NVWR Policies and Procedures
7. Abides by, supports and models the NVWR Platform Statements (Mission, Vision, Core Values, Ethical Standards, Service Model, and Leadership Commitments)
8. Abides by employee health and safety policies, including use of Standard Precautions and Infection Control procedures.
9. Other duties, as assigned

KNOWLEDGE

1. Knowledge of recovery principles
2. Knowledge of motivational interviewing

SKILLS

1. Able to share personal recovery experience with mental health challenges in a helpful and supportive way
2. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
3. Write legibly
4. Use Microsoft Office products for data entry and communication

ABILITIES

1. Ability to form effective working relationships with individuals receiving services and their families/allies, coworkers, and individuals representing external organizations and the community.
2. Uses a teamwork style and cooperative posture in working with others.
3. Is a self-starter, with the ability to carry forth responsibilities independently once assignment and guidance is provided.
4. Demonstrates healthy interpersonal boundaries.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

• Pennsylvania OMHSAS-approved Peer Specialist Certification and has maintained at least 12 months of successful full or part-time paid/unpaid work experience within the past three years

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent

• Has completed an approved peer specialist certification training curriculum

• Current and valid certification as a peer specialist.

Other:

• Is or has been a recipient of behavioral health services
• Has not been a recipient of services from New Vitae or any of its related companies (Mount Trexler Manor/Quakertown House) within the six months prior to hire date.
• Valid PA driver’s license and access to personal vehicle
• Meet company standard for criminal history background check

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

1. Able to sit, stand, and walk for periods of time
2. Able to lift up to 25 lbs.
3. Able to hear ordinary conversation and phone communications

Equipment Operation:

1. Able to operate common office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copier.

Hazards of Position:

1. Verbal or physical acting out by assigned individuals
2. Slight risk of contact with blood-borne pathogens

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery (NVWR) is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, age, veteran status, military status, marital status, genetic information, citizenship status, unemployment status, political affiliation, or on any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. NVWR will consider qualified job candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with federal, state and local laws. Furthermore, we comply with the laws and regulations set forth by the EEOC.