CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST- Part Time

Looking for more than just a job? At Resources for Human Development, we're building a team of compassionate professionals who believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life. Whether you're beginning your career, changing professions, or looking for work with purpose, we'll provide the training, support, and opportunities you need to succeed while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. No experience required for many positions. Paid training provided.

For more than 56 years, Resources for Human Development has been dedicated to providing caring, effective, and innovative services that empower people of all abilities to build a better life. RHD is a nonprofit organization with over 115 human service programs across the country, serving tens of thousands of people with programs supporting intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, homelessness, addiction recovery, and more.

About the role

As a Certified Peer Specialist, you will collaborate with consumers, team members, family members, significant others, and collateral resources to promote socialization experiences, creative rehabilitative skills training opportunities, and maximize empowerment experiences. You will structure social and recreational activities and promote recovery through the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). The role involves assisting team members and other providers with understanding the Recovery Model and its day-to-day practice. It is expected that 60% of your time will be spent in direct contact with consumers or others on their behalf, with paperwork and team meetings requiring no more than 30% of your time.

This position requires direct, firsthand experience using mental health services as well as the forensic system in Allegheny County. You will serve as a resource to individuals receiving services, families, and other stakeholders related to recovery initiatives. Under the authority of the Program Director and in coordination with the team supervisor, you will ensure all operational procedures and regulations are followed.

Responsibilities

• Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders.
• Provide recovery coaching, including assisting in recovery management, identifying personal strengths/assets, developing strength-based recovery plans/goals, and strategies to meet those goals.
• Assist in identifying or reconnecting to natural supports, including peer recovery supports and self-help groups in the community.
• Assist in scheduling appointments as needed.
• Help access and navigate the mental health and/or drug and alcohol service system, mental health court, Adult Probation, Justice Related Services, and the legal system.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and continuing care (aftercare) meetings as requested by the member.
• Demonstrate flexibility in schedule to meet members' needs.
• Advocate for the member's community, medical, and behavioral health needs.
• Maintain certification and utilize motivational interviewing to identify members' strengths, needs, motivation, triggers, and goals.
• Bridge the gap between physical healthcare and behavioral health treatment.
• Provide telephonic assistance to members and family members concerning recovery tools and resources.
• Empower members to self-advocate and follow through with treatment, including making and attending scheduled appointments, setting goals, and community networking.
• Travel throughout the region.
• Use a laptop to document and bill for services through electronic health record software.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Board Certified as a Peer Specialist (or required to complete and pass Forensic Certified Peer Specialist training within 6 months of hire).
• Valid Driver's License and Automotive Insurance; access to a reliable personal vehicle preferred.
• One year of experience; mental health experience preferred.
• Act 73 (FBI), Act 34 (Criminal clearance), Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
• Familiarity with computers and ability to navigate software used to document and bill for services.
• Direct, firsthand experience using mental health services as well as the forensic system in Allegheny County.

Skills

• Compassionate
• Dependable
• Patient
• Team-Oriented
• Service-Focused
• Professional
• Positive
• Committed to Helping Others

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• DailyPay – access your earned wages before payday
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Paid Training Programs
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Certification Opportunities
• Leadership Development Programs
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Opportunities Across Multiple Service Lines

Schedule

• Part-Time