Peer Specialist

Full-time, Days

General Summary

Contributes in a peer support capacity to facilitate recovery and enhance wellness by sharing his/her personal/practical experience and first-hand knowledge to the team and clients. Provides expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by patients to have a satisfying life. Serves as a role model for recovery for both staff and peers and partners with peers in developing recovery tools and building support networks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Completes WellSpan specific trainings as assigned.
• Completes First Aid and Basic Life Skills training.
• Completes a 75-hour approved Peer Specialist training within 8 weeks of hire date.
• Completes program specific orientation which includes but is not limited to; learning EHR Epic system, building IRP's, learning different documentation required for Peer Support services, learning workflows and other job-related processes.
• Develops a schedule that consists of meeting and supporting Peers and includes supervision and team meetings as scheduled.
• Completes no less than 10 shadowing hours with a current Certified Peer Specialist.
• Completes no less than 8 billable shadowing hours with a Lead Certified Peer Specialist.
• Completes and passes the required PCB exam for a Certified Peer Specialist after the 75-hour training but within 6 months of hire date.
• Demonstrates understanding and ability to complete the necessary documentation within the time limits set forth by the OMHSAS bulletin.
• Acquires knowledge or resources in assigned county/counites while maintaining an excellent working relationship with all providers.
• Acts as a liaison with other community agencies/groups, funding sources and businesses that relate to the services provided to peers.
• After completing the 75-hour Certified Peer Specialist Training, develop a consistent schedule to meet with Peers, complete the documentation as required, and maintain a 70% ratio of billable hours to total hours.

Common Expectations:

• Attends all meetings with supervisor, staff, and clients as well as trainings and in-services.
• Reinforces hope and the potential for recovery to peers and others.
• Encourages and provides support for peers to advocate for themselves.
• Models coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Completes yearly annual safety education modules in compliance with WellSpan Philhaven policy.
• Performs and participates in outcome measurement, performance improvement and customer satisfaction studies designed to measure and improve the quality of services delivered.
• Contributes to a safe work environment through knowledge and practice of safe behavioral management practices, fire safety, physical plant safety, safe emergency practices, and universal precautions for bodily fluids
• Provides after hours telephone support to enrolled peers as assigned (On-call responsibilities rotated among staff).
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience:

• Experience in navigating/personal knowledge and experience in the mental health system. Required
• 1 year General work/volunteer/credit hour experience. Preferred and
• Professional office work experience. Preferred

Licenses:

• Certified Peer Specialist within 90 days Required

Driver's License Statement:

Must possess a valid driver's license in the current state of residence. Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management.

Courses and Training:

• Must provide clearance per the Child Protective Services Law amended by PA Act 33 of 1985. Upon Hire Required
• Peer Support Services training. within 90 days Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent human relations and oral/written communication skills.
• Knowledge of and ability in the care and support of individuals in a specific age group.
• Self-identify as an individual with a mental health diagnosis and who has reached a point in their recovery pathway where they can positively support others in similar situations.