JOB TITLE: CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 31810

DEFINITION: This is non-professional work providing peer support services to individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.

An employee in this job provides peer support services by serving as an advocate for individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, providing information and support, and assisting individuals through the recovery process. Work involves assisting individuals in self-identifying personal goals for recovery; determining the steps needed to achieve recovery goals; supporting individuals in identifying and securing needed services; and providing an environment of mutual respect, empowerment, and opportunity to promote self-sufficiency within the community. Work also involves providing information on public services, educational opportunities, and employment and vocational skill supports and assisting individuals with recognizing their strengths and recovery options. Work is performed under the general supervision of a mental health professional and is evaluated for effectiveness through observation and review of prepared records and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Assists individuals with developing their individual service plans and other activities aimed at increasing their active participation in person-centered planning and the delivery of individualized services.

• Shares personal recovery stories and describes personal experiences to inspire and support individuals throughout the recovery process.

• Assists individuals with the development of mental health advance directives.

• Supports individuals with problem solving related to their reintegration into the community.

• Advises and informs individuals on community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual, and other resources to meet their individual recovery goals.

• Provides individuals with support and guidance on recognizing the early signs of crisis, developing crisis plans, and implementing identified coping strategies.

• Assists individuals with developing and maintaining positive personal and social support networks.

• Assists individuals with developing their self-help skills and cultivates their ability to make informed, independent choices.

• Plans and facilitates practical activities for individuals to increase their self-worth and improve their self-concepts.

• Assists in facilitating psychoeducational groups.

• Attends treatment/recovery team meetings.

• Documents services provided to individuals.

• Acts as an advocate for individuals to facilitate positive changes in their recovery.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of mental health peer support services.

• Knowledge of the recovery process and how it applies to individuals with serious mental illness.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All positions require possession of an active certification as a Certified Peer Specialist issued by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB).