Certified Peer Specialist

What You'll Do:

• Peer Support and Advocacy:
  • Actively facilitate or co-facilitate group and individual mental health recovery sessions, providing relatable insights and fostering a sense of community.
  • Advocate for individuals throughout the treatment process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
  • Share personal recovery experiences to inspire and motivate individuals, demonstrating that mental health recovery is achievable.
  • Empower individuals to navigate and utilize these resources effectively, supporting their long-term recovery goals.
• Crisis Intervention and Management:
  • Provide early intervention support by helping individuals recognize signs of an impending crisis and develop effective crisis plans.
  • Guide individuals in implementing coping strategies that promote stability and positive outcomes in their recovery journey.
  • Work to minimize the use of seclusion and restraint by establishing trust and employing trauma-informed care practices.
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills using an empathetic response
• Resource Coordination:
  • Connect individuals to essential community resources, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and spiritual support, to address their holistic needs.
  • Work closely with the clinical team to communicate any concerns regarding an individual's psychiatric or medical presentation to the appropriate discipline.
• Collaborative Care:
  • Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, sharing insights and strategies to enhance the overall treatment plan for each individual.
  • Promote an integrated approach to care that respects and supports diverse paths to recovery.
• Documentation and Compliance:
  • Accurately document all interactions, services provided, and significant observations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
  • Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of documentation and care.
• Continuous Encouragement and Support:
  • Conduct welfare call outreach within seven days of individual's discharge from services.
  • Provide ongoing encouragement and emotional support, helping individuals stay motivated and focused on their recovery goals.
  • Use appropriate self-disclosure to build rapport and strengthen the therapeutic relationship, offering hope and reassurance.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Performs other duties as assigned to contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the treatment program and support the broader goals of the organization. 

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Certified as a Certified Peer Specialist with Pennsylvania Certification Board
• Must maintain certification throughout the course of employment
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restrain techniques
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to document in an Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) must obtain within seven days of employment
• Must pass the following background checks
  • Child Abuse Clearance
  • FBI Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
  • Medical screenings (Physical, TB, and Drug test)
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• Physical Requirements
  • Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight)
  • Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
  • Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had:

• Additional certification as a Certified Recovery Specialist with the Pennsylvania Certification Board
• Knowledge of evidence-based/person-centered skillsets, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction, and Person-centered language

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
• Company‑paid parental leave available to eligible employees

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan 

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.