What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Peer Specialist Outpatient position at COMHAR INC?
Description
Certified Peer Specialist – Outpatient
Philadelphia, PA | Enhanced Outpatient Program
About COMHAR
COMHAR is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to providing health and human services that empower individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives. We are currently seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to join our Enhanced Outpatient Program team in Philadelphia.
The Enhanced Outpatient Program provides behavioral health services including outpatient therapy, medication management, peer support, and care coordination services to adults and select adolescents.
Position Summary
The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) works within a recovery-oriented framework to provide peer support services that promote hope, empowerment, wellness, and self-determination. This role supports individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges through individual and group interactions, community engagement, harm reduction support, and recovery-focused skill development.
The CPS serves as a positive role model by sharing lived experience and supporting individuals in achieving their personal recovery goals through trauma-informed and culturally competent care.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a recovery role model by sharing lived experience, hope, and practical coping strategies.
- Provide one-on-one peer support and facilitate recovery-focused group sessions.
- Assist individuals in developing skills identified in their recovery plans, including wellness management and positive coping techniques.
- Educate and support individuals through the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) process.
- Support individuals in areas including social skills, vocational readiness, employment, health and wellness, community integration, and daily living skills.
- Connect individuals to community resources, peer supports, and harm reduction services.
- Encourage healthy relationships and support individuals in reconnecting with family, friends, and natural supports when appropriate.
- Promote recovery awareness and reduce stigma related to mental health and co-occurring disorders through advocacy and education.
- Co-facilitate therapeutic groups, including groups supporting individuals participating in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services.
- Participate actively in team meetings and collaborate with staff to foster a recovery-oriented environment.
- Provide support and guidance to new staff regarding peer culture and recovery principles.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of all client interactions.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations and client care.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Current Pennsylvania Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification required
- Minimum of 1 year of direct mental health or substance use service experience (paid or volunteer)
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care principles
- Ability to engage individuals through empathy, advocacy, and lived experience
- Familiarity with community resources and harm reduction practices
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
Requirements
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Current Pennsylvania Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification required
- Minimum of 1 year of direct mental health or substance use service experience (paid or volunteer)
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care principles
- Ability to engage individuals through empathy, advocacy, and lived experience
- Familiarity with community resources and harm reduction practices
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace. COMHAR, Inc. is a not-for-profit community
based health and human service organization founded in 1975. We do not discriminate in services or employment on the basis of
race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, past or present receipt of
disability-related services or supports, marital status, veteran status, or any other class of persons protected by federal, state or local law.