CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

Role Description

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) services consist of peer support services; advocacy for Persons in Recovery (PIRs); sharing of coping skills and providing recovery information for PIRs. The CPS performs a wide range of tasks to assist PIRs in regaining control over their own recovery process. This includes but is not limited to the development of natural supports, development of social interactions in the community and management of symptoms that challenge wellness in an individual. A commitment to the RHD values should be demonstrated as job duties are performed. 

Program Information

RHD Allies is a Forensic Certified Peer Specialist program. We are a community mental health program whose goal is to support the Recovery needs of individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system. RHD Allies provides innovative and effective re-entry services to people post-adjudication.

Essential Duties and Functions

Direct Care 

• Delivers peer support services such as education, advocacy, and to foster engagement in treatment process 
• Provide recovery support education for persons enrolled, staff, and family members. This may include but is not limited to:  
• Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) for enrollees,  
• Self-help/mutual peer support groups,  
• training and orientation of new enrollees,   
• training and orientation for staff and Team members. 
• Supporting person centered interventions as identified in service plans for everyone served  
• As appropriate, may facilitate group therapy sessions such as: 

1. WRAP 
2. Recovery Support Groups 
3. Community Meetings 
4. Symptom and Coping Skills  
5. Assist individuals with independent living preparation.

Administrative 

• Complete required documentation of services in a timely manner according to agency policy. 

Other 

• Maintain one’s own physical, mental, and emotional well-being so that the CPS can function appropriately in the job and can model healthy functioning to those we serve. 
• Performs other tasks as assigned by leadership team, to support individuals’ recovery.

Educational/ Experience Requirements

• Certified Peer Specialist Certification 
• HS Diploma/GED 
• At least 2 years working with others in Mental Health Recovery 
• Maintain 18 credit hours of additional training each year. 

Physical requirements

Lifting requirements

Medium: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. 

Physical requirements

• Stand or Sit (stationary position) 
• Walk 
• Use hands or fingers to handle or feel (operate, activate, prepare, inspect, position) 
• Climb (stairs/ladders) 
• Talk/Hear (communicate, converse, convey, express/exchange information) 
• See (detect, identify, recognize, inspect, assess)  
• Pushing or Pulling 
• Repetitive Motion 
• Reaching (high or low) 
• Kneel, Stoop, Crouch or Crawl (position self, move) 

Job Qualifications & Competencies

Certified Peer Specialist Certification 

HS Diploma/GED 

At least 2 years working with others in Mental Health Recovery 

Maintain 18 credit hours of additional training each year

 OIG/Sanctions/Valenz

 References

 PA Criminal

 PA MVR 

Child Abuse Clearance

FBI Clearance