Certified Peer Specialist - Community Peer Support - Days

Wellspan Health - York, PA

Part-time

York, PA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Certified Peer Specialist position at WellSpan Philhaven in York, PA, is designed for individuals who can contribute to the recovery and wellness of clients through their personal experiences and knowledge of the mental health system. This part-time role emphasizes peer support, where the specialist will act as a role model, guiding patients in their recovery journey. The specialist will utilize their lived experiences to encourage patients to take responsibility for their recovery, actively participate in their treatment, and develop essential life skills. In this role, the Certified Peer Specialist will assist peers with rehabilitation support, advocacy, and mentoring, providing side-by-side support in various social settings. This may include accompanying patients to community activities such as grocery shopping or attending self-help groups. The specialist will also educate patients about mental illness symptoms, helping them recognize signs of relapse and understand their treatment options, including medication management. The position requires the completion of necessary documentation for each peer encounter, maintaining accurate records of services provided, and participating in community outreach to foster relationships with local agencies and resources. The specialist will also be involved in the on-call system, providing after-hours support to peers as needed. Overall, this role is crucial in promoting recovery, self-advocacy, and community integration for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and encouragement to patients to take responsibility for their own recovery.
• Assist designated peers with rehabilitation social support, advocacy, educational and vocational mentoring, and self-maintenance.
• Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize during program hours.
• Support patient participation in community self-help groups.
• Coach or teach basic individual living skills such as food preparation, meal planning, and personal hygiene.
• Educate patients about symptoms of mental illness and identify relapse symptoms.
• Work with patients to support their individual choices regarding medications under the direction of medical staff.
• Promote participation in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Psychiatric Advance Directives (PAD) planning.
• Partner with peers to create, review, and attain goals on the Individual Recovery Plan.
• Complete necessary documentation for each peer encounter within 48 hours.
• Maintain knowledge of resources in assigned counties and build relationships with providers.
• Act as a liaison with community agencies, funding sources, and businesses related to peer services.
• Participate in the on-call system according to WellSpan Philhaven ACT policy.
• Attend all meetings, trainings, and in-services as required.
• Reinforce hope and the potential for recovery to peers and others.
• Model coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Complete yearly safety education modules in compliance with WellSpan Philhaven policy.
• Participate in outcome measurement and customer satisfaction studies to improve service quality.
• Contribute to a safe work environment through knowledge of safety practices and emergency procedures.
• Provide outstanding service to all customers and foster teamwork.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience in navigating the mental health system and professional office work experience required.
• Certified Peer Specialist certification upon hire required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license in the current state of residence.

Nice-to-haves

• Excellent human relations and oral/written communication skills.
• Knowledge of and ability in the care and support of individuals in a specific age group.