Peer Support Specialist

We are hiring for:

Peer Support Specialist

Type:

Regular

If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!  

Provides highly individualized services in the community and promotes individual self-determination and decision-making to individuals with Mental Health or Substance Abuse issues. Certified Peer Support Specialists also provide essential expertise and consultation to the entire team to promote a culture in which each individual’s point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation , and community self-help activities. This position may serve as an advocate for the person supported. Performs a wide range of tasks to assist the people supported in regaining control over their own recovery processes. These interventions are strength-based and focused on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community. Functions as a role model of competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills. Staff ratio takes into consideration evening and weekend hours, needs of special populations and geographical areas to be served

Job Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for providing essential expertise and consultation to the entire interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote a culture in which each individual’s point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities while serving as an advocate for clients.
• Meeting with clients to provide advice and support in accordance with treatment plan
• Assisting in peer support groups with assigned consumers on a regular basis
• Supporting/assisting consumers in daily decision making and resolution of minor problems
• Assisting clients by finding resources, advising the consumer of processes, and encouraging follow through with proposed resolutions, locating social activities, or provide other assistance as needed
• Accompanying clients to meetings and participates in meetings of community groups to advocate for consumer needs, leading recovery dialogues/self-help sessions with clients
• Fostering client’s development of healthy relationships by encouraging participation in community activities
• Observing behavior and evidence of general well-being and discusses observations with the clients
• Modeling effective coping and self-help techniques to individuals or groups of consumers
• Providing advice to clients on empowerment skills and successful community living
• Informing clients on community resources and how to use them appropriately, providing information to consumers and families on specific topics, as assigned​
• Able to work as a member of a healthcare interdisciplinary team with a focus on ensuring successful recovery and overall mental health for clients.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent
• 1 year of experience working with persons with the population supported
• Certified as a Peer Support Specialist or 1 continuous year as a current or former recipient of treatment (including mental health/substance abuse treatment or diagnosis) and eligibility for certification as Peer Support Specialist by the governing agency
• Must complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of training specific to the required components of the specific service definition including crisis response within the first 90 days of employment
• Valid drivers’ license and automotive insurance
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen
• CPR, first aid, NCI and/or role related certification, a plus

                                                            

Physical requirements to perform essential functions of the job included:  

• Regularly required to lift 10 lbs.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 15 lbs.
• Must be able to pull minimum of 10 lbs.
• Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop.  
• Must be able to regularly use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.  
• Required to regularly stand and walk.  
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from the floor level requiring to work on hands, knees, bending, standing and lifting.  
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.  

Pre-employment screening:

• Complete criminal background
• Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
• Drug testing
• Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
• Proof of employment history or references (if required)
• Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.

We offer the following benefits to employees:

• Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
• Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
• Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
• Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
• 401(k) retirement savings program
• Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
• Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
• Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities

*contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits

EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.

About RHA:

At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.

For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.