JOB DESCRIPTION


JOB TITLE: Certified Peer Specialist

JOB IDENTIFICATION

Department: Economic and Neighborhood Development
Job Code: Part-Time, Regular
Location: YWCA, 1101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Reports to: Supported Employment Team Leader
Employees Supervised/Directed: None
Pay Grade: IV
FLSA Code: Non-Exempt. Includes one or two evenings as needed for outreach and peer support groups.
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JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY
The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) will follow Supported Employment best practices to provide behavioral health services that foster supportive peer relationships with and among the persons enrolled in supportive employment and other related programs. The CPS by definition is a person in recovery who will utilize her or his personal recovery experience to instill a sense of hope and optimism for persons in recovery. The CPS will demonstrate a personal belief in recovery, supported employment best practices, a sincere interest in the welfare of persons in recovery and enrolled in the YWCA Supported Employment Program. The CPS will demonstrate the ability to engage and serve the consumers enrolled, contribute to the overall success of the supported employment process, and carry out duties with flexibility and an individual focus. The CPS will promote and contribute to the development of a culture of recovery and empowerment within and outside of the YWCA and will uphold the integrity of program goals. In addition the CPS will complete detailed and accurate case notes and other reports to document program measures including but not limited to National Outcomes Measures devised by SAMHSA. The CPS will conduct peer support groups to assist persons enrolled in supported employment to realize their personal goals in employment, education and volunteer opportunities. The CPS will report directly to the Supported Employment Team Leader on all matters pertinent to the successful obtainment of program goals and standards.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions Of The Job
Directly provide and/or ensure the following:
1. Act as an integral member of the Recovery and Supported Employment Team.
2. Provide a role model for persons enrolled seeking supported employment services, other staff members, and service providers in the supported employment process.
3. Share personal experiences of recovery to build a sense of hope in the recovery and supported employment process.
4. Assist in the development of a culture of recovery and peer support by engaging in and supporting peer relationships.
5. Work with clients served to assist them in the development and implementation of an individualized and integrated Supported Employment Service plan.
6. Engage appropriately with persons enrolled to support them in identifying strengths, existing supports, and community resources.
7. Support those enrolled in obtaining individualized goals through building and strengthening of linkages with community resources and family members.
8. Conducted regularly scheduled meetings with clients to determine employment goals utilizing the Evidence Based Practices (EBP) to include Supported Employment including best practices from the SAMHSA, “JOBS Program�. Properly document and file case notes and other reports in accordance with program protocols.
9. Provide recovery and supported employment education for persons enrolled, staff, and family members. This will include but is not limited to: Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) for enrollees, Self-help/mutual peer support groups, training and orientation of new enrollees, and training and orientation for staff and Team members.
10. Work cooperatively with the Supported Employment Specialist to conduct illness management and recovery groups.
11. Utilize “Supported Employment� principles and concepts of employment related case management to assist clients in obtaining and retaining permanent employment in the career of their choice. Collect data and provide feedback on goal attainment and other employment success measures to the Supported Employment Team Leader.
12. As directed by the Supported Employment Team Leader, network with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Housing, Mental Health Case Management, Vocational Support, and other supportive service agencies and organizations, to build integrated support systems following Supported Employment guidelines and best practices.
13. Accompany and support persons enrolled in social/leisure, educational, occupational, and/or advocacy based community integration activities.
14. Involvement in the Peer Governance Process with the YWCA.
15. As necessary provide transportation and/or assistance with other supportive services needed to assist clients in obtaining their employment goals.
16. Refer and assist clients in obtaining necessary supportive services and provide input concerning service shortfalls and successes to the Supportive Employment Team Leader.
17. Collect data and report on client follow-up and retention success measures.
18. Attend meetings, training functions and other official YWCA functions as required.
19. Safeguard confidential information.
20. Comply with Association policies.
21. Comply with applicable local, state, and federal licensing
22. Project a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, and the Association clients.
Important But Non-Essential Functions of the Job
1. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
2. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Applicants must have completed the state approved training and be Certified Peer Specialists.
• A self identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who can relate to others who are now using these services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the “Supported Employment� model.
• Have a High School diploma or GED.
• Within the last three years have 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) full or part-time paid or volunteer work experience: one year of college or other educational experience (within the last three years) can be substituted for work experience.
• A commitment to recovery, choice, empowerment, and the ability of people with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders to find meaningful lives in the community.
• Ability to establish a trusting relationship with peers, including excellent interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented with good writing and organizational abilities.
• Ability to network within the community and work with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Satisfy required Act 33 and State Police clearances.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees, assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.