At Project Transition, it's our mission to enable individual persons who have serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorder and/or a dual diagnoses of SMI and IDD live a life that is meaningful to her or him in the community on terms she/he defines.

Title:Certified Peer/Recovery Specialist 

Supervisor:  Program Director

Summary of Job Description:

The Certified Peer/Recovery Specialist (CPS/CRS) supports individuals within the program by partnering around challenges that can come with symptoms of a Mental Health and/or substance use disorder diagnosis. Through utilization of the WRAP plan and a Person-Centered approach, the CPS/CRS will help empower the member to identify and work towards their Blue-Sky goals. By providing unconditional and nonjudgmental listening while also supporting the utilization of skills needed for the member to begin creating a higher quality of life, the CPS/CRS serves as a mentor to those they serve. The CPS/CRS provides opportunities for individuals to direct their own recovery plan and support, build self-worth, wellness, empowerment, and self-advocacy. The CPS/CRS will promote and contribute to the development of a culture of recovery and hope within the program and agency.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Conducts regularly scheduled meetings with members and appropriately engages them to identify interests, strengths, goals, dreams, and aspirations while offering encouragement and empowerment through shared experience.
• To enhance strengths and capabilities for members.
• Meet with members, in collaboration with the treatment team, to develop individualized treatment plan goals.
• Meet with members to collaborate on the development and utilization of their Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP plan).
• Provide support and follow up on treatment interventions per treatment team.
• Facilitate groups based on RPS specific skills, passions, and member needs.
• Co-Facilitate skills groups and other groups as requested.
• Attend and participate in treatment team meetings, providing feedback regarding members and offering unique perspectives. 
• Supports members in planning for and attending 12 Step Meetings, finding a Sponsor, doing Step Work when appropriate.
• Support Member use of DBT skills as taught by Team (training will be provided)
• Serve as an advocate for members while continually supporting, teaching, and encouraging self-advocacy skills.
• Support with welcoming newly admitted members to the Project Transition/ PCS Mental Health community. Assist in orientation to the program by sharing information on program structure and opportunities, tour and introductions to community and staff.
• Promoting community integration through the connection of resources by linking to supports, mutual-help groups, social clubs, volunteer and pay job opportunities.
• Serve as a role model with a willingness to appropriately share personal experience with members, families, and staff by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
• Support members in the development and implementation of their transition goals and plans.
• Provide timely documentation in electronic health record (EHR) regarding member progress, goals, struggles and utilization of skills and support.
• Timely documentation of any/all meaningful activities with Members, including groups, outside meetings, community outings, etc.
• Participation in agency internal workgroups, trainings, and meetings.
• Attend continuing education requirements as required. 
• Maintain CPS/CRS Certification

Additional Performance Expectations:

• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team and will support and implement interventions and directives as directed by the Team.
• Always demonstrate compassion and concern when supporting a Member through embracing Project Transition/PCS Mental Health’s Mission and Core Values.
• Approach Member engagement from a non-judgmental stance understanding that a Member’s behavior is driven by experience, which may include trauma.
• Treat and speak to Members with supportive kindness even when a Member demonstrates intense behavioral or emotional actions. Staff will show Members dignity and respect for their values and lifestyles.
• Seek out appropriate support, consultation with Clinician or Psychiatrist (if applicable), in conjunction with the Program Director or obtain supervision, when they are uncertain about how to respond or support a Member effectively.
• Report back to the Treatment Team any observations of Member behavior that suggests Member may need additional treatment interventions and/or support.
• Engage with all external parties/ individuals with professionalism and with a positive customer service approach, understanding that they are always representing the organization.
• An understanding of an agreement to value the concepts of a Trauma Informed workplace.

Qualifications:

• The CPS/CRS will have at least a high school diploma or equivalent (required); bachelor’s degree (preferred) 
• At minimum, an individual must meet the CPS/CRS training qualifications and is able to provide documentation of completing the CPS or RPS training in entirety. 
• CPS/CRS must maintain certification throughout tenure of employment in this capacity. 
• Skilled in Microsoft Office. 
• High energy individual with strong work ethic and ability to multi-task 
• Must be able to have fun in the workplace. 
• Must be a self-motivator. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.