Peer Support Specialist II

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Peer Support Specialist II

Job Category
Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Other

Department
UBHC - Emergency Screening New

Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (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.

Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Peer Support Specialist II for the Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Peer Support Specialist II is to assist in the development and maintenance of a recovery-oriented environment for adults (age 18 through maturity). They will provide a wide range of peer support services to consumers to assist them in regaining control over their own lives and their own recovery process. Provides services in accordance with UBHC and Unit policies and procedures.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Uses his/her own experiences with recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and relationship building with the consumer or family member.
• Models for consumers good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies.
• Develops and maintains a therapeutic relationship with consumers so that he/she can identify emotional, psychiatric or behavioral changes which may require further intervention or treatment. Helps the consumer effectively address the problem, and/or refers the consumer to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Acts as liaison to community resources, and assists consumers in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills.
• Works closely with other team members in providing services and communicates frequently regarding client's responses to treatment.
• Assists in collection and reporting of data to evaluate program effectiveness and comply with funding source requirements.
• With direction, provides advocacy activities with Departments within the University and/or other assigned agencies and institutions.

FLSA
Nonexempt

Grade
187

Salary Details

Minimum Salary
28.300

Mid Range Salary
28.800

Maximum Salary
29.660

Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• 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

Position Status
Full Time

Working Hours
9 am to 5 pm

Standard Hours
40.00

Daily Work Shift
Day

Work Arrangement
Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position requires a fully on-site work arrangement and may be eligible for a compressed workweek or a flex workday schedule. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the View email address on click.appcast.io Application System.

Union Description
Teamsters 97

Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility
PERS

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Be a self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who has personal experience and knowledge of recovery and has a minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting others.

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge about psychosocial rehabilitation and the recovery model is essential.
• Be able to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Have good knowledge of public transit system or willingness to learn and teach.
• Be able to use computer to record services or be willing to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• Peer training certification.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment


PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasional time spent traveling to community settings for outreaches. Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 pounds). Frequently walks, bends, stretches, pushes and pulls. Manual dexterity and mobility for charting. Lifts supplies, equipment and charts. Sitting while interviewing clients; may sit up to several hours in one place. Working with seriously mentally ill adults.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Varied work settings include office and community setting. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be exposed to clients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behaviors. Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.

Special Conditions

• Be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Posting Details
Posting Number
25ST2045

Posting Open Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus
Newark (RBHS)

City
Newark

State
NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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: