Wellness Specialist-Peer Professional

Position Overview As part of a multi-disciplinary, core services team, provides wellness assessment and direct services to people who have serious mental illness and who are enrolled in the PACT Program. Essential Job Functions Frequent monitoring and assessment of the mental health status of persons receiving services, including significant others, home and community environment. Collaborates with the team to develop psychosocial and comprehensive assessments and individualized recovery plans; ensures timely and quality documentation to meet DMHAS/Medicaid standards. Participates in clinical and non-clinical team meetings, including supervision; actively seeks monthly supervision from a supervisor. Provides Teaches skills to support each person’s individualized recovery journey and community integration. Provides peer perspective during team meetings and interactions. Shares clinically appropriate personal life experience to enhance engagement and validation with individuals. Assists directly in securing safe, clean, affordable housing, food, clothing, medical and dental services, and appropriate financial support. Observes and informs the team of service recipients’ concerns, mental illness symptoms, behavior in response to medication, and monitors for medication side-effects during observed self‑administration and ongoing face‑to‑face contacts. Coordinates services with other community mental health and non‑mental health providers and other medical professionals. Links to entitlement benefits such as Medicaid/NJFamilyCare, social security, rental assistance, and other public assistance (social services, transportation, legal advocacy and representation). Provides training and instruction at home and in the community, including personal hygiene tasks, household chores, money management skills, use of community transportation, and securing and maintaining safe housing. Conducts symptom assessment and management, medication monitoring, medication education, and monitors side‑effects for individuals and families with consent. Delivers wellness services including education and cognitive/behavioral interventions on nutrition, diet, exercise, stress reduction strategies, and other wellness tools. Responds rapidly and flexibly to crisis, including accompanying the individual to the screening center/psychiatric emergency center and remaining with them during assessment. Uses Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), develops WRAP and Psychiatric Advance Directives, and performs stage‑wise treatment utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Teaching Strategies; provides 24‑hour rotating on‑call coverage and responds immediately by phone or in person. Applies evidence‑based practices such as motivational interviewing, IDDT, CBT skills, IMR, Trauma Informed Care, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Career Development in engaging individuals with their recovery. Provides technical assistance and education to team members in recovery and wellness; develops materials and strategies for teaching wellness plans, hope, choice, empowerment, and spirituality. Supports individuals in finding and maintaining employment and/or education/training. Supports the service recipient’s family and network to manage symptoms and reduce family and social stress, providing education to aid positive and supportive relationships. Requirements Bachelor’s degree preferred; individuals receiving or who have received mental health services may substitute demonstrated volunteer or paid experience with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness for a Bachelor’s degree. Two or more individuals may share the Wellness Specialist‑Peer Professional position. Driver’s License, Vehicle Valid driver’s license required. No more than one moving violation within the past 12 months. Vehicle required. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b), basic life and AD&DD, flexible spending accounts, EAP. Eligible for medical benefits after 30 days of employment. Flexible work schedules, clinical training series, leadership development program. 10 paid holidays (an 11th after 2 years), generous vacation and sick time. Salary & Location Salary: $44,000 - $51,000 annually. Sign on Bonus: $5,000. Department: PACT TEAM 8. Location: Little Falls, NJ. Work hours: Tuesday‑Saturday 8:00am‑4:30pm. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services was founded on a strong desire to fight disparity and injustice alongside people living with behavioral health conditions. We are dedicated to providing a multicultural workplace where everyone feels a sense of purpose and belonging. We provide equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services