Certified Peer Specialist

About the role

The Certified Peer Specialist Program at Project Renewal's New Providence Women’s Shelter seeks individuals with lived experience of mental illness or substance use disorders to provide peer support and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Work exclusively in shelter programs serving women with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Provide advocacy, outreach, recovery and crisis support.
• Aid participants in regaining independence and mastering their recovery processes.
• Identify and develop individual coping strategies and crisis prevention tools.
• Offer supportive peer counseling focusing on mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies, and self-help opportunities.
• Complete assessments, daily work logs, and case notes.
• Meet regularly with participants to provide peer services and counseling.
• Teach independent living skills and assist with securing housing.
• Connect participants to community resources and on-site support services.
• Communicate and collaborate with participants’ treatment providers.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and relevant trainings.
• Conduct daily meetings with clients, NARCAN trainings, and daily groups at assigned shelter sites.
• Escort clients to appointments and programs as needed.
• Collaborate with assigned case managers to discuss clients' needs and progress.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Completion of certification or provisional certification as Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate.
• Adequate writing and computer skills for completing reports, case notes, and electronic health reporting system documentation.
• Personal lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
• Willingness to share personal experience with others.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Provisional or full certification as Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate.
• Adequate writing and computer skills for completing reports, case notes, and electronic health reporting system documentation.
• Personal lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
• Willingness to share personal experience with others.

Skills

• Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other staff.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and with clients.
• Computer: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, and Outlook.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are preferred.

Benefits

This position offers a salary range of $42,000 - $45,000, plus benefits. The duration is 12 months with the possibility of contract renewal. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with a four-day work week option.

Pay

$42,000 - $45,000 annually

Schedule

Monday through Friday, with a four-day work week option

Benefits

Includes benefits package

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications to [email address] or apply online at [website link].

Equal Opportunity Employer

Project Renewal is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, gender (see separately issued Gender Discrimination policy for more detail), physical or mental disability, age (18 and over), military status, arrest record, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, unemployment status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.