Certified Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Join a Team That Changes Lives

For more than 170 years, Elwyn has been leading the way in supporting children, teens, and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we’re here to create real change – helping people lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Now, we’re looking for passionate team members to join us. Here, your work will change lives – including your own. You’ll make an impact every day, find purpose in what you do, and grow in a career that truly matters.

At Elwyn, we take care of you while you care for others. We offer:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit Packages
• Earned Wage Access/On-Demand Pay
• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Advancement Opportunities and Growth
• Flexible Schedules
• Retirement Savings Plan

Join us and be a part of something bigger. Apply today.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for providing support services to young adult through geriatric consumers with severe and persistent mental illness through the various stages of Recovery. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Therapeutic Support

• Meets newly enrolled consumers after screening is reviewed to begin to develop therapeutic rapport.
• Works with person served in integration all aspects of recovery including  physical, mental, and meaningful life purpose.
• Serves as part of the interdisciplinary team in the engagement, Individual Action Planning (IAP) and crisis planning process.
• Provides input in the implementing meaningful goals for their Individual Action Plan focusing on the following areas: mental health recovery education, daily living skills, physical wellness, housing, interpersonal, substance use, relationships, independent transportation, self-help groups, exercise/wellness groups and the Recovery Learning Center (RLC) vocational & leisure
• Reviews the Screening, Assessment, Crisis Plan, Critical Needs Plan and IAP upon completion or update completed by the LPHA.
• Share personal recovery experiences to develop authentic/professional peer to peer relationships.
• Integrates the Prism Model for effective treatment of serious and persistent mental illness and trauma informed approach into everyday practice and clinical intervention.
• Organizes, plans, and facilitates a range of valued community activities that support recovery, self help, wellness/fitness, social, and cultural opportunities outside of the consumers’ home.
• Facilitates peer lead activities and or groups which empowering enrolled consumers to take a lead in the planning and implementation process.
• Serves as a role model to peers regarding appropriate behavior and commitment to recovery.
• Provides peer mentoring to validate consumers’ life experiences, including but not issues such as social stigmatization acceptance and affiliation.
• Offers or assists with transportation needs, supporting engagement/participation in recovery focused community resources as well as doctors appointment, shopping, entitlement/housing support, court, etc.
• Maintains a positive attitude and promotes an environment that is recovery based and supports the individual rehabilitation goals and interventions of consumer and which encourages hope, healing and empowerment.
• Works with consumers to identify and utilize preferred recovery tools and self care techniques (i.e. WRAP, WHAM, peer groups, and peer recovery groups).
• Communicates treatment related information, including making recommendation for adjusting treatment plans and goals to  Case Manager, Mental Health Counselor or Recovery Advocate.
• Demonstrates appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
• Works as part of the interdisciplinary team in assisting with face to face crisis intervention to aid the consumer in managing a crisis, providing short-term intervention to decrease risk, manage symptoms, and maintain safety.
• Practices trauma informed approach in service delivery.
• Encourages consumer use and involvement in the Recovery Learning Community, where applicable.
• In collaboration with Team leaders educates team members in recovery values, skills and practices.
• At the request of Regional Director and in collaboration with the Center for Professional Development, offers workshops and In
• Service trainings on the stages of recovery and services offered at each stage.
• Promotes clients involvement in Studio 35 creative expression of their choice.
• Adheres to CPS Code of Ethics / Conduct.

Program Operations

• In conjunction with other staff ensures medical and psychiatric information is obtained from transferring institution, when applicable.
• Assumes shift responsibility when necessary including but not limited to meal preparation, medication monitoring and any other responsibility in emergent situations.
• In situations when assuming staff responsibilities, communicates the change in responsibility to persons served and uses it as an educational opportunity with consumers.
• Shares and encourages consumers to participate in the completion of domestic tasks, assisting in the overall maintenance/upkeep of the program/supported living offering a safe clean and comfortable and safe environment for treatment to take place.
• Completes documentation template to relay information including but not limited to changes in behavior, accomplishments, positive behavior, or treatment related information relayed during group or encounters.
• Regularly and thoroughly reads email.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Pre-employment Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED required, BA in Human Service field preferred.
• Certified as a Peer Support Specialist including, lived experiences (defined as having been a consumer of mental health services), coupled with a minimum of one year of active recovery (self-attestation) and comprehensive writing skills required.
• Crisis Intervention experience preferred.

Relevant Post-job Offer Testing/Conditions

• Knowledge and practice of FHR policies, regulations, and standards.
• Participates in FHR recommended trainings.
• Matriculation  towards Mary Ellen Copeland’s: Wellness Recovery Action Plan Certification (individual and group facilitation)
• Matriculation towards Whole Health Action Management (WHAM).
• MAP Certification, where applicable.
• Attends all peer workers support/supervision group, if applicable.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license in state of residence, have a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record

#SHA123!