Peer Support Specialist (Mental Health)

Job Summary Join our dynamic team as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, where your lived experience and compassionate approach will empower individuals navigating mental health challenges. In this vital role, you will provide peer-led support, foster hope, and promote recovery by connecting with clients on a personal level. Your expertise in crisis intervention and behavioral health will help create a safe, supportive environment that encourages growth and resilience. This paid position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while advancing your career in mental health services. Duties Offer peer support by sharing lived experiences to inspire hope and motivate clients toward recovery goals Assist individuals during crises through crisis management techniques and crisis intervention strategies Conduct motivational interviewing to encourage positive behavioral change and engagement in treatment plans Provide mentorship and guidance to clients, helping them develop coping skills and self-advocacy Develop Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) with participants that focuses on strategies for reaching personal goals, crisis planning and relapse prevention as well as assist individuals to develop and implement a person-centered Individual Recovery Plan (IRP). Facilitate peer support groups based on Individual Recovery Plan (IRP) goals. Collaborate with clinical teams to coordinate care plans using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for documentation and progress tracking Support clients in navigating behavioral health resources, addiction counseling services, and social services Maintain accurate records of client interactions, progress notes, and incident reports in compliance with confidentiality standards Skills Strong understanding of behavioral health principles, mental health counseling, and recovery processes Proficiency in crisis intervention and crisis management techniques to de-escalate situations effectively Excellent mentoring skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with diverse populations Experience with social work practices and motivational interviewing methods to promote client engagement Familiarity with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for documentation purposes Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey empathy and support clearly Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team environment This role is an exciting opportunity for passionate individuals eager to leverage their lived experience into a rewarding career helping others achieve stability and wellness. Join us in making a positive impact—your dedication can transform lives! Requirements A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) will have one of the following: A CPS is a self-identified individual who has received or is receiving state priority group services as defined in Mental Health Bulletin OMH-94-4,

Serious Mental Illness:

Adult Priority group, and who: Has a high school diploma or general equivalency degree, and, within the last three years, has maintained at least 12 months of full-or part-time paid or voluntary work experience or obtained at least 24 credit hours of post-secondary education, and has completed a peer specialist certification training curriculum approved by the Department. Applicants who do not have a certification at this time are encouraged to apply also, as Skills will send them to the certification training. It is important, however, that they have at least 12 months volunteer or documented paid experience in the Mental Health Field (both need to be verifiable) in order to be accepted into the CPS Certification program.

Additional Qualifications:

Successful completion of a post offer physical and drug screen required. Valid PA Driver's License required (must be maintained along with a good driving record).

Pay:

$16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Bereavement leave Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have the Certified Peer Specialist certification (not required with other qualifications me-CSP must be obtained following employment)? Were you referred by a current Skills employee? If so, who?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

English (Required)

License/Certification:

PA Driver's license (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required) Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person