Certified Peer Specialist Senior - Community Peer Support - Days

Wellspan Health - Lebanon, PA

Part-time

Lebanon, PA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Certified Peer Specialist Senior position at WellSpan Philhaven in Lebanon, PA, is a part-time role focused on facilitating recovery and enhancing wellness for individuals with mental health challenges. The specialist will leverage their personal experiences and knowledge to guide and support clients in their recovery journey. This role is pivotal in providing expertise about the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required for patients to lead fulfilling lives. The specialist serves as a role model for recovery, partnering with peers to develop recovery tools and build support networks within the community. In this position, the specialist will draw on shared experiences to encourage patients to take responsibility for their recovery. They will assist designated peers with rehabilitation support, advocacy, and educational mentoring. The role involves providing side-by-side support to help patients engage in social activities, which may include accompanying them to grocery stores, community events, and other public places. The specialist will also support patient participation in community self-help groups and teach essential living skills such as meal planning, laundry, and personal hygiene. Additionally, the specialist will educate patients about mental illness symptoms, helping them understand their conditions and recognize signs of relapse. They will work collaboratively with patients to support their medication choices, promote participation in Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), and assist in creating and reviewing goals on the Individual Recovery Plan. Documentation of peer encounters and maintaining relationships with community agencies and providers are also key responsibilities. The specialist is expected to participate in ongoing training to maintain their Certified Peer Specialist certification.

Responsibilities

• Draws on common experiences as a peer to provide guidance and encouragement to patients.
• Assists designated peers with rehabilitation social support, advocacy, educational and vocational mentoring, and self-maintenance.
• Provides side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize during program hours.
• Supports patient participation in community self-help groups.
• Coaches or teaches basic individual living skills, such as food preparation and personal hygiene.
• Provides education about symptoms of mental illness to assist patients in understanding their condition.
• Works with patients to support their individual choice regarding medications under the direction of medical staff.
• Promotes participation in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Psychiatric Advance Directives (PAD) planning.
• Partners with peers to create, review, and attain goals on the Individual Recovery Plan.
• Completes necessary documentation for each peer encounter within 48 hours.
• Acts as a liaison with community agencies, funding sources, and businesses related to peer services.
• Participates in training to maintain CPS certification.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED Required.
• 1 year of general work experience or volunteer experience required.
• Experience in knowledge of the mental health system required.
• Certified Peer Specialist 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.
• Microsoft Office experience (Word, Excel, Outlook).