Certified Recovery/Certified Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary: 

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)/Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) focus on providing behavioral health intervention, and other recovery support services for adults with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring disorders in the community as an integral part of the Mobile Outreach and Recovery Services (MORS) Continuity of Care (COC) team.

The CPS/CRS Mobile play a crucial role in supporting individuals by promoting long-term recovery within the context of the community. CPS/CRS Mobile operates as a comprehensive support system, combining personal experiences, mentorship, advocacy, motivation, and respect for individuality. CPS/CRS aim is to prevent relapse, promote long-term recovery, and contribute to the development of a strong and supportive recovery-oriented community.

The CPS/CRS work collaboratively with Behavioral Health Case Manager (BHCM) to provide support to individuals seeking behavioral health care and recovery support services in the community. CPS/CRS and BHCM professionals work ensure warm handoffs, smooth transitions, and continuity of care for individuals in need.

As a part of the warm hand-off process, the CPS/CRS position involves facilitating linkages to care/services, providing support, conducting assessments, ensuring continuity of care, and maintaining accurate records to help individuals access services across a continuum of care to achieve their health and wellness goals in the community. This position may also require telephonic outreach, data entry, and periodic reports.

This position is based at designated locations in communities deemed high risk for substance misuse and heroin/opioid overdose such as Kensington and other “hot spots” in Philadelphia County. No less than 75% of the time shall be spent conducting outreach, engagement, assisting with escort/transport of eligible individuals to care and supportive services as needed. CPS/CRS must also be able to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and organizations in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct assertive outreach and engagement targeting adults seeking behavioral health care and recovery support resources throughout Philadelphia County.
• Offer recovery support to individuals seeking services and resources to combat SUD and co-occurring disorder in designated communities.
• Identify and support linkages to behavioral health care, including medication assisted treatment (MAT), and community-based recovery-oriented resources (i.e., educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual, self- help, professional services, etc.) that support the individual’s goals and interests.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of individualized recovery plans by identifying and prioritizing strengths and needs, recognizing pathways to recovery, and advocating for recovery and community resources.
• Collaborate with BHCM and other stakeholders to provide effective recovery support services for individuals on caseload.
• Maintain notes, reports and accurate records in files and database(s), adhering to established program standards.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services along with an understanding of federal, state, and local confidentiality rules and regulations.
• Engage in continuing professional development and education related to recovery support services to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities as required to maintain credentials.

Skills Required:

• Must be a Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist with at least one year of experience working in the behavioral health field.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred, but not required

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CPS/CRS must be on record PA Certification Board with at least 2 years sustained, current recovery.
• Valid Drivers’ License

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law.