Job Information
HORIZON HOUSE Peer Support Specialist in Norristown, Pennsylvania
Qualifications
•Ideal candidates will have a High school diploma or GED with one year of paid or volunteer work; or any combination of experience, education or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skill and ability required
•A person who is self-identified as having met the criteria for serious mental illness as defined in the Mental Health Bulletin (OMH-94-04) who utilizes or has utilized mental health and/or co-occurring services and has been trained and certified to help her/his peer identify and achieve specific self-determined goals
•Must be a certified Peer Specialist certified by a PA State approved entity
•Demonstrates knowledge of recovery/wellness principles and ability to model and mentor the recovery process and demonstrate effective coping skills
•Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required
•Possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills
•Light lifting and/or carrying, not to exceed 25 lbs
Responsibilities
•The position has responsibility for providing peer support services, therapeutic interactions designed to promote empowerment, self-determination, understanding, coping skills, and resilience through mentoring and service coordination supports
•Assist program participants with mental illnesses and to regain control over their own lives and their own recovery process
•In collaboration with the team, provide program participants with counseling and support to identify self-determined goals
•Serve as a mentor to program participants to promote hope and empowerment in their recovery process
•Act as an informal educator to other team members to facilitate understanding and empathy to each person's unique and subjective experience and perceptions
•Collaborate with the team to promote a team culture in which self-determination and decision-making in recovery planning are supported
•Assist program participants in identifying, understanding, and combating stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and develop strategies to reduce self- stigma
•Serve as the liaison between the team and client-run programs such as self-help groups and drop-in centers
•Frequent interactions with peers who are at different stages of recovery
•May be required to assist with crisis intervention in emergency situations in an ancillary/supportive role educating and supporting peers in the development and implementation of WRAP and Advanced Directives