Certified Peer Specialist
About PATH
PATH (People Acting to Help) Inc. is a comprehensive Community Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Center. We offer a wide array of services and supports to meet the needs of our community in Northeast Philadelphia. PATH regularly achieves the highest levels of accreditation, including a 5‑Star Provider Rating by CBH, Philadelphia’s Managed Care Entity, and recognition and awards related to our high‑quality, innovative programs and staff accomplishments and contributions. Our mission is to help individuals achieve a more independent and fulfilling life.
Why Work at PATH
- Competitive pay
- Annual increases
- Performance and longevity bonuses
- Comprehensive benefits package for staff and family
- Generous number of paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
- No‑cost pension plan
- Ongoing professional development opportunities, including licensure supervision
- Cutting‑edge treatment facility, resources, and treatment modalities
- Opportunities for advancement and growth within the organization
- Eligibility for the Federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
- Referral bonus for referring a friend who accepts employment
Job Summary
To promote the mission of PATH to help individuals achieve a more independent and fulfilling life by being an effective team member. To work as a team member to provide crisis intervention, support, safety plans, and linkages to youth and families in Northeast Philadelphia, Region 1. As a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), you will provide support and perspective as an individual with lived experience. The program operates 365 days per year, 24 hours per day.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1 year experience in the Behavioral Health system
- PA Peer Specialist Certification
- Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required
- Ability to use an Electronic Health Record
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Responsibilities
- Provide crisis assessment, intervention, education, and support in person, with an assigned team member, within a designated time frame to referrals received by DBH/CBH.
- Share lived experience to connect with and support individuals in crisis and aid in developing a crisis support plan.
- Utilize approved evidence‑based practices and tools when providing crisis assessment and intervention, including SAMHSA crisis intervention guidelines and resolution models.
- Ensure all interventions are person‑centered and driven by the individual and their family/supports.
- Assist the family/supports, if release of information allows, in understanding the events that led to the crisis from everyone’s perspective.
- Assist the individual in obtaining and maintaining culturally appropriate basic living needs—including housing, food, medical care, recreation, and education—through linkage to resources and additional supports.
- Provide follow‑up care and/or transfer to other levels of care from the moment an assessment is completed and the plan has been developed, scheduling appointments at a convenient time and place.
- Complete or assist others in completing involuntary commitment petitions.
- Arrange and follow through with voluntary or involuntary hospitalization admissions, following all procedures regarding the initiation of a commitment.
- Link the individual to the CRC or other 24/7 crisis staff and remain with them until the connection and collaboration is completed.
- Develop with the individual and their family/supports, if available, a safety/crisis plan obtaining everyone’s perspective, strengths, and ideas.
- Be knowledgeable of local community resources and services and provide care coordination.
- Provide up to 72 hours of intervention by scheduling follow‑up appointments at a time convenient for the individual, including evening and weekend appointments in the home and community.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands
Minimal in nature.