Certified Peer Specialist at WellSpan Philhaven (Lancaster, Lebanon, and York Counties)
Employer Name:
WellSpan Philhaven
Location:
Lancaster, Lebanon, and York Counties
Position:
Certified Peer Specialist
Hours:
20-40 hours/week
Position Description:
General Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Program Director, 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:
The following are essential job accountabilities:
1. Draws on common experiences as a peer to provide guidance and encouragement to patients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
2. Assists designated peers with rehabilitation social support, advocacy, educational and vocational mentoring, and self-maintenance.
3. Provides side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize, such as going with a patient to the grocery store, movies, library, etc. during program hours of operation which may require use of staff’s personal vehicle.
4. Supports patient participation in community self-help groups.
5. Coaches or teaches basic individual living skills, such as food preparation, meal planning, laundry, bill payment and personal hygiene.
6. Provides education about symptoms of mental illness to assist patients in understanding their mental illness and identifying relapse symptoms.
7. Works with patients in supporting their individual choice and preference regarding medications, under the direction of the physician and nursing staff.
8. Promotes participation in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Psychiatric Advance Directives (PAD) planning among peers.
9. Partners with peers to create, review and attain goals on the Individual Recovery Plan.
10. Completes necessary documentation for each peer encounter (i.e. service activity, contact sheets, etc.) within 48 hours of encounter.
11. Completes monthly log of services provided.
12. Acquires knowledge or resources in assigned county/counites while maintaining an excellent working relationship with all providers.
13. Acts as a liaison with other community agencies/groups, funding sources and businesses that relate to the services provided to peers.
14. Participates in the on-call system according to WellSpan Philhaven ACT policy.
The following are common expectations:
15. Attends all meetings with supervisor, staff, and clients as well as trainings and in-services.
16. Reinforces hope and the potential for recovery to peers and others.
17. Encourages and provides support for peers to advocate for themselves.
18. Models coping techniques and self-help strategies.
19. Completes yearly annual safety education modules in compliance with WellSpan Philhaven policy.
20. Performs and participates in outcome measurement, performance improvement and customer satisfaction studies designed to measure and improve the quality of services delivered.
21. 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
22. Provides after hours telephone support to enrolled peers as assigned (Pager rotated among staff on a monthly basis).
23. Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
The following are nonessential job accountabilities for ADA purposes:
24. Performs other related duties as identified.
Job Requirements:
Note: Other combinations of formal education, training and experience may be considered.
Minimum Education High School Degree/GED
Minimum Experience 1 – 2 years
Min Field Of Expertise Experience in navigating/personal knowledge and experience in the mental health system; professional office work experience
Req Cert/Registration Certification as a Peer Support Specialist; or certification eligible
Req Course(s)/Training Must provide clearance per the Child Protective Services Law amended by PA Act 33 of 1985
Physical Demands Mostly sedentary with light physical activity
Working Conditions Combination of a normal office environment and work in the community via programs, the clients’ home, etc.
Possible exposure to individuals with known or unknown infectious diseases
Skills: Other Excellent human relations and oral/written communication skills; Must have valid driver’s license and qualify for WellSpan driving privileges; Must obtain PA driver’s license in accordance with PA laws if license upon hire is out-of-state; .Knowledge of and ability in the care and support of individuals in a specific age group
Instructions on how to apply:
Please apply at WellSpan.org
Or Contact
Monica Thomas, Supervisor-Peer Support Services
mthomas18@wellspan.org