Certified Peer Specialist

Reports to: Peer Support and Shelter Services Supervisor

Status: Part-time or Full-time, FLSA non-exempt

Position Summary: Certified Peer Specialists work from the perspective of their lived experience to help build environments conducive to recovery. CPS staff will promote hope, personal responsibility, empowerment, education, and self-determination and assist others in skill-building, problem-solving, and building self-directed recovery tools. CPS will staff the emergency shelter, provide information and referral to callers, screen requests for shelter and services, ensure a safe and clean environment, and provide mentorship, support, and assistance to shelter residents. A critical role of the CPS is supporting others in developing their recovery goals and specific steps to reach those goals.

Availability Requirements

Shifts vary by site but are generally daytime (8am-4pm) and afternoon (1pm-9pm). There may be some variation on weekend shifts and overnight shifts may occur with prior scheduling. Staff must be available for some weekend shifts.

Essential Job Duties:

· Provides Peer Support Services along with shelter support services; serves as an advocate to Peers; provides information and Peer Support for Peers in the emergency shelter or other community settings.

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· Performs a wide range of tasks to support Peers in living their own lives and directing their own recovery and wellness process. The CPS will model competency in recovery and wellness and serves as a role model and reinforces the value of every individual's recovery experience, models effective coping techniques, and self-help strategies.

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· Utilizes a goal setting process to support Peers in articulating personal goals and objectives for recovery and wellness to reach his or her goals; assists Peers in identifying strengths, identifying recovery and wellness goals, setting objectives, identifying barriers, determining recovery and wellness interventions, recognizing and reporting progress Peers make toward meeting objectives, and understanding and utilizing specific interventions necessary to support Peers in meeting their recovery and wellness goals.

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· Leads as well as teaches Peers how to facilitate Recovery Dialogues, supports Peers in creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), utilizes and teaches problem-solving techniques with individuals and groups, teaches Peers techniques for identifying and combating negative self-talk, and teaches Peers techniques for identifying and overcoming fears.

· Supports the vocational choices Peers make and supports them in overcoming job-related anxiety; supports Peers in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure.

· Attends treatment team meetings to promote Peer's use of self-directed recovery tools.

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· Helps to identify and connect the Peer with a variety of community resources and benefits; supports the Peer in obtaining decent and affordable housing of his or her choice in the most integrated, independent, and least intrusive or restrictive environment.

· Serves as a recovery agent by providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services; supports Peers in obtaining services that suit their recovery needs; informs Peers about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process; and supports Peers in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy.

· Oversees the shelter and maintains an active presence during assigned shifts; ensures all residents adhere to shelter rules and policies; monitors the shelter and office area for activity, safety, and security.

· Provides information and referral services to callers with relevant resource and contact information; gathers necessary information from callers requesting services and obtains shelter approvals; conducts intake and orientation with new Peers and residents as they arrive at the shelter; meets with Peers and residents for shelter discharge.

· Completes assigned reports and documentation of contacts, activities, and engagement with Peers and residents in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner, including data entry; attends agency and other related meetings or trainings as directed by supervisor.

· Actively engages with Peers in educational activities such as life skills, crafts, cooking, and other approved activities.

· Ensures Peers and residents complete assigned daily chores and tasks; assists cooperatively in the upkeep of the office area, including tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and organizing storage areas.

· Creates and maintains an atmosphere of support and assistance for all individuals and staff members; helps Peers and residents cope with the challenges of communal living; addresses problems equitably and in a timely manner, when the need arises; and ensures individuals are treated with dignity and respect and that services are provided in a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach.

· Maintains appropriate boundaries with Peers and residents at all times.

· Adheres to the policies and procedures of the organization and program.

· Maintains a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals and other relevant material; develops and shares recovery-oriented material with other CPS staff; attends continuing education trainings to maintain certification; attends relevant seminars, meetings, and in-service trainings.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• Be a self-identified individual with a mental health diagnosis and who has reached a point in their recovery pathway where they can positively support others in similar situations
• Complete a Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services approved Peer Services training
• Obtain and maintain the certification as a CPS through the Pennsylvania Certification Board
• Within the first month of employment, complete the Pennsylvania Mandated Reporter training
• Experience in human services or public service is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Must demonstrate the following:

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills Approachable and open to direction Ability to function independently Personal integrity and confidentiality Ability to make independent decisions, problem-solving skills, and ability to provide creative solutions Highly organized, detail-oriented, strong time management skills and able to work in a fast-paced environment Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when needed

Special Requirements: Must be able to obtain criminal history background checks, including eligibility for employment through Pennsylvania Department of Human Services child abuse and FBI background clearances Must be able to access agency emergency shelter sites; some travel in the community may be required.This description is intended to describe the essential job functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

AA/EOE

WHC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, or disability status.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16