Certified Peer Specialist 

Pittsburgh, PA 

Position Summary: 

Under the authority of the Program Director and in coordination with the team supervisor, the Forensic Certified Peer Specialist assures that all operational procedures and regulations are followed. 

The Forensic Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for collaborating with consumers, team members, family members, significant others and collateral resources to promote socialization experiences, creative rehabilitative skills training opportunities, maximizing empowerment experiences and to structure social and recreational activities and to promote recovery through the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). 

The Forensic Certified Peer Specialist will assist team members and other providers with an understanding of the Recovery Model and the day-to-day practice of this modality. It is expected that 60% of the Forensic Certified Peer Specialist's time will be spent in actual contact with the consumer or others on his or her behalf. Paperwork and team meetings should not require more than 30% of the worker's time. The Peer Specialist will work directly with individuals receiving services, family members, providers and other stakeholders, at the direction of a supervisor. This position requires the candidate have direct, firsthand experience using mental health services as well as the forensic system in Allegheny County. This position will be a resource to individuals receiving services, families, and other stakeholders related to recovery initiatives. 

Essential Duties and Functions 

Program Responsibilities: 

A. Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders. 

B. Provide recovery coaching concerning; assisting in recovery management, identification of personal strengths/ assets, development of a strength-based recovery plan /recovery goals, and strategies to meet goals. 

C. Assist in identifying or re-connecting to natural supports including but not limited to peer recovery supports and self-help groups in the community.  

D. Assist in scheduling appointments as needed. 

E. Assist with accessing and navigating the mental health and/or D&A service system. 

F. Assist with accessing and navigating mental health court, Adult Probation, Justice Related Services and the legal system.  

G. Participate in treatment team meetings, continuing care (aftercare) meetings, as requested by the member.  

H. Demonstrate flexibility in schedule in order to meet member’s needs.  

I. Advocate for the member's community needs, medical, and behavioral health needs.  

J. Maintain Certification  

K. Utilize motivational interviewing to effectively identify the member’s strengths, needs, motivation, triggers, and goals in managing life circumstances.  

L. Bridge the gap between the physical health care and behavioral health treatment. 

M. Provides telephonic assistance to members and family members concerning recovery tools and resources.  

N. Empower the member to self-advocate and follow through with treatment (making and attending scheduled appointments, setting goals, and community networking.  

O. Travel throughout the region.  

P. Utilize laptop to document and bill for services through electronic health record software.  

Q. Limited to working with adults only 

Ancillary Responsibilities: 

A. Performs tasks that are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which  may be altered or re-designed depending upon individual circumstances. 

Qualifications: 

An ideal candidate would hold a HS/GED and is someone who has had mental health challenges in the past and has developed successful coping mechanisms and could serve as a mentor for others. 

 A. Board Certified as a Peer Specialist  

Note: Will be required to complete and pass Forensic Certified Peer Specialist training within 6 months of hire, if Certified Peer Support Certification is not already held. 

B. Valid Driver's License and Automotive Insurance. 

D. Access to a reliable personal vehicle preferred 

E. One year of experience, Mental Health experience preferred. 

F. Act 73 (FBI), Act 34 (Criminal clearance), Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance 

I. Familiarity with computers and ability to navigate software used to document and bill for services. 

J.  Will be required to complete and pass Forensic Certified Peer Specialist training within 6 months of hire, if Certified Peer Support Certification is not already held. 

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies. Allowing these entities to advance their mission and vision. By exploring geographical program expansion and focusing on quality outcome measures to create cost savings that result in reinvestment into the organizations stakeholders through capacity creation and employee compensation betterment. Apis Services, Inc. and affiliate’s provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.