• The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) provides peer support services; serves as a consumer advocate; provides consumer information and peer support for consumers in emergency, outpatient or inpatient settings
• The CPS performs a wide range of tasks to assist consumers in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process
• The CPS will role model competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills
• CPS’s are directly supervised by Certified Peer Specialist Supervisors and the Clinical Director (Mental Health Professional)
• Inspire the hope and recovery of wellness
• Reduce the anxiety of the individual seeking help
• Promote empowerment and self-determination
• Increase understanding through self-discovery
• Support community integration
• Increase positive attitudes towards recovery
• Decrease negative stigmas towards mental illness

The CPS will work collaboratively with Peer Support Supervisors and Clinical Director, to provide Peer Support Services to individuals who are eligible in a variety of settings, i.e. group homes, provider service agencies, drop-in centers, community settings, and the home environment

• Initiate, establish, and maintain positive relationships with clients while developing trust and building rapport
• In collaboration with Program Supervisor and Clinical Director, establish what CPS’s role will be in supporting peer recovery
• Provide advocacy on behalf of your clients and help them to navigate the health and social service systems
• Work closely with clients to address problems, answer questions, gather and provide information and advice, and connect client to resources and the community
• Act as a coach and mentor, and help clients to set goals and develop skills
• This includes the creation of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan which will outline personal goals for recovery, as well as identify and plan for challenges
• Consistently review personal goals for recovery and generate new goals as needed
• Share and discuss common experiences and build a collective sense of community
• Display respect and patience for each person's unique recovery journey and celebrate successes and goal achievement
• Help participants utilize resources to meet their basic needs, such as access to services, obtaining safe housing, or energy assistance
• Support vocational choices and assist participant success
• This might include activities such as regularly checking in at the end of the work day, reviewing social skills needed on the job, or practicing ways to handle job-related anxiety
• Review various skill-building tools and provide handouts on topics of interest to participants, i.e. overcoming negative self-talk, symptom management, building positive relationships, etc
• Assist Peer Support Supervisor and Clinical Director with the creation of ISP and Strength Based Assessments
• Ensure that services provided are individualized and in accordance with the objectives listed on the Strength Based Assessment and ISP
• Ensure sessions times are depicted accurately and in compliance with medical necessity
• Support peer with enhancing communication and social skills
• Assist peers with setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups
• Teach peers how to identify and overcome fears
• Assist non-peer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend their unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible
• Participate in treatment team meetings if available at participants' request
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Supervisor, Clinical Director, or Operations Director
• The Certified Peer Specialist will understand and have a commitment to the philosophy, mission, values, and vision of Unity Family Services Inc
• This individual will be able to demonstrate these values with his/her leadership practices
• Listens effectively, shares ideas and information openly and facilitates relationship building by establishing trust
• Reduces conflict and chaos through the promotion of positive interactions
• Refrains from negative conversation that inhibit the growth and productivity of management, employees, consumers and the agency
• Is consumer/client focused, service oriented, and has effectively influenced positive growth

• High School Diploma or GED
• Life experience with mental illness or the mental health system
• At least 12 months of successful full, part-time, or volunteer work experience within the last 3 years, or 24 credit hours of post-secondary education
• Knowledge and skill in Peer Support and recovery principles, values, and practice
• Completion of state approved Peer Specialist Certification
• Must pass initial and random drug tests
• This person will possess personal and professional integrity, strong communication skills and an excellent professional appearance and presentation
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills along with considerable tact and diplomacy are important considerations
• This individual must also possess strong interpersonal skills, a good sense of humor, high energy level and a positive calm outlook
• Is respectful, honest and demonstrates integrity and ethics
• Interested in serving as a mentor to others
• Has excellent computer skills
• Possesses initiative, good judgment and the ability to problem solve
• Has handled demanding workloads to meet objectives
• Works effectively with all levels of management and departments, in particular, the Peer Support Supervisor and Clinical Director
• Is driven, compassionate, and creative
• Team player
• Often hectic consumer/client homes, community, providers and office space
• Ability to travel by auto
• Occasional lifting of 10-20 pounds
• Sufficient vision acuity for routine driving, computer use, and moderate to heavy reading and writing responsibilities
• Position requires walking, sitting and standing at moderate levels
• Stamina able to be maintained to manage a work level that may exceed 40 hours per week
• Position requires a high level of all forms of communication skills: written, verbal, listening
• Valid PA driver’s license and auto insurance required (Any accident’s, DUI’s, citations, or arrests must be reported immediately to Direct Supervisor)
• Act 33/34 clearances required
• FBI Clearance
• Ability to comply with regulations of Medicaid and Medicare Services and complete ongoing trainings and required CEUs (18/year)
• People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
• Kittanning, PA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
• Support community integration
• Decrease negative stigmas towards mental illness
• This might include activities such as regularly checking in at the end of the work day, reviewing social skills needed on the job, or practicing ways to handle job-related anxiety
• The Certified Peer Specialist will understand and have a commitment to the philosophy, mission, values, and vision of Unity Family Services Inc
• Listens effectively, shares ideas and information openly and facilitates relationship building by establishing trust
• Refrains from negative conversation that inhibit the growth and productivity of management, employees, consumers and the agency

• Partner with community resources
• 401(k) (if full-time)
• 401(k) matching(if full-time)
• Dental insurance(if full-time)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance(if full-time)
• Life insurance(if full-time)
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance(if full-time)
• Supplemental pay types:
• Bonus opportunities
• Increase employment opportunities for participants