Peer Support Specialist III

Overview (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC's 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year. Responsibilities Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Peer Support Specialist III for the Outpatient Monmouth Junction Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. The Peer Support Specialist III is a member of a team offering person centered, culturally competent instrumental, information and emotional support either in person or by phone. The Peer Support Specialist III uses lived experience and basic peer support skills to engage and empower persons served to support their wellness. Offers insight into the experience of living with a mental and/or substance use disorder and relevant recovery supports in order to assist staff in identifying program environments and treatment approaches that are conducive to recovery. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Uses his/her own lived experiences with mental and/or substance use recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and build relationships with the individuals served and/or their family member(s). Engages consumers in the community to enhance commitment to recovery. Follows supervisory direction and is receptive to feedback from supervisor. Demonstrates initiative and flexibility with respect to job assignments. Completes Employee Health update as required. Understands and adheres to Rutgers' compliance standards as they appear in RBHS's Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy. Minimum Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. At least three (3) years of previous relevant experience required. At least two (2) of the three (3) years must be lived experience with the target population. Certifications/Licenses Must be certified or eligible for certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Family Advocate. If not certified, documented demonstrated progress toward completion of Peer Support Certification within 12 months is required. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Be able to work independently and as part of a team in a collegial group environment. Be able to use a computer to record services and other basic office functions. Must possess valid driver's license or alternate means of transportation for use to outreach individuals served. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a social or healthcare field and/or a mental health capacity. Bilingual skills (Spanish/English or Cantonese/English or Mandarin/English). Physical Demands and Work Environment Standing, sitting, walking, talking or hearing. No special vision requirements. Office environment. Moderate noise. Special Conditions Pre-employment drug screening and background check including finger printing is required. Benefits Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: #J-18808-Ljbffr