Finding a Job

People in recovery can use peer skills in a wide variety of paid positions. While a number of these opportunities will require a certification through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB), there are other jobs where you can use your peer skills that don’t require certification. Many people who complete a certification training find other jobs within the support system. Certified Peer Specialists, Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Family Recovery Specialists all work in a variety of settings, including residential programs, hospitals, warmlines, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, consumer and family satisfaction teams, advocacy organizations, and drop-in centers.

The skills taught in the certification trainings are valuable in any peer related job.

The Peer Support Coalition’s Job Bank offers information about peer related job openings throughout Pennsylvania.

Working and Receiving Disability Benefits

Did you know you can work part time and still receive your disability benefits? Many people mistakenly believe that if they work and receive a regular paycheck they will lose their social security benefits, no matter the amount of money they make. But that is simply not so.

AHEDD is an organization that helps clear up the confusion. AHEDD’s Work Benefits Counselors assist SSDI (social security disability) beneficiaries or SSI (supplemental security income) recipients in a financial assessment of their benefits, and then recommends a course of action that fits a person’s employment and benefits needs. To learn more visit the AHEDD Web site.

In addition to benefits counseling, there are benefits programs that can make the transition back to work easier.

MAWD (Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities) allows people to continue to receive Medical Assistance health insurance benefits while working. Learn more about MAWD.

Ticket to Work allows people to use a “ticket” (issued by the Social Security Administration) to receive services that will help them achieve a vocational (work) goal.