Certified Peer Specialist

SAFREST Resources has partnered with a Philadelphia-based provider of behavioral health care and human services. 

We are seeking a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) to support individuals in recovery.The CPSwill foster supportive peer relationships with and among persons in recovery to empower them to take action on issues affecting their lives including health, education, problem solving, self esteem, and positive communication. 

The CPS will visit the person in recovery as part of outreach support when needed. The CPS will be required to work flexible hours on- and off-site depending on program needs and structure between Monday and Sunday.

ESSENTIAL & CORE FUNCTIONS:

• Provides a role model for persons in recovery, other staff and family members; sharing of personal experience of recovery is essential to instill a sense of hope in the recovery process.
• Assists in the development of a culture of recovery and peer support by engaging in and supporting peer relationships.
• Assists with evaluating individual persons in recovery needs, interest and progress towards personal wellness.
• Engaging appropriately with persons in recovery and support them in identifying strengths, existing supports and community resources. Assertively support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups.
• Supports persons in recovery in building and strengthening of linkages with community resources and family members.
• Attends and completes all mandatory staff trainings.
• Attends all scheduled supervision sessions with immediate supervisor or designee.
• Plan and develop groups appropriate to needs, interest and desires of individuals.
• Provide individual supports to individuals in crisis as part of the Rehabilitation Team. 

PREREQUISITES & QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

• Peer Specialist Certification required.
• A self identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who can relate to others who are now using those services.
• High school diploma of GED.
• Within the last three years has 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) full or part-time paid or volunteer experience in the co-occurring field.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with their peers.
• Commitment to recovery, choice, empowerment and the ability of people with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders to find meaningful lives in the community.

COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience with co-occurring disorders.
• Promotes self-determination and independence for consumer empowerment.
• Promotes and builds positive self images in consumers.
• Empowers people in recovery to create a sense of purpose in life and strong commitment.
• Empowers people in recovery to develop their interpersonal assets and ultimately achieving positive outcomes including reaching their future career and educational goals.
• Competent computer skills knowledge and use.