Veteran Certified Peer Specialist

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

Hours: Full-Time

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) has lived experience of a mental health or co-occurring diagnosis and has reached a place in their recovery pathway where they can positively support others in a similar situation. The CPS partners with participants to facilitate their recovery and community integration through utilization of the Specialist’s personal life experience and first-hand recovery knowledge. The CPS is an active member of the integrated care team.

The intent of this job description is to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Uses personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tools needed for self-management of their health condition(s) and pursuit of their personal wellness.

• Provide recovery education spanning every phase of the recovery journey from pre-contemplation, engagement, preparation, and action to recovery maintenance. 

• Provide hope and encouragement regarding opportunities for involvement in community-based activities, i.e. work, school, relationships, physical activity, hobbies, etc.

• Provide a model for people in recovery, staff, and family members as appropriate by demonstrating that recovery is possible.

• Educate professional staff about the recovery process and the damaging role that stigma can play in undermining recovery.

• Provide education and linkage to Veterans Administration health services as needed/desired.

• Provide education and linkage to other health services as needed/desired.

• Coach peers in identification of personal interests and goals in relationship to their recovery and “getting the life they want” in the community.

• Coach peers to identify their strengths, abilities, and assets (both internal and external) that can be utilized to achieve their chosen goals and community roles.

• Provide linkage to community-based skill acquisition opportunities, i.e. educational courses and self-help groups.

• Identify and promote utilization of natural community resources that support peers’ goals and interests including educational, vocational, social, cultural, and spiritual resources.  This can involve coaching and accompanying peers to visit resources and practice utilization. 

• Identify barriers (internal and external) to full participation in community resources and develop strategies, with other stakeholders, to overcome these barriers. 

• In partnership with other agency members, develop reciprocal connections with community groups/agencies. 

• Encourage and coach peers in having their voices fully heard and their needs, goals, and objectives established as the focal point of treatment and rehabilitation services.

• Work cooperatively with team members to support individual service participant choice and preferences.  

• Complete required documentation.

• Complete required continuing education requirements of 18 hours of approved training per year with 12 hours specifically focused on peer support and/or recovery practices. 

• Participate in individual supervision and group peer specialist support meetings and training courses as defined by the agency, county, and state.

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record in accordance with St. Luke’s policy.

• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information. 

• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements. 

• Demonstrates/models the Network’s PCRAFT values during interactions with all customers.   

• Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.

• Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.

• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Must have ability to sit for 2 total hours per day, and up to 1 total consecutive hour. Must be able to stand for 8 total hours per day and up to 2 total consecutive hours. Must be able to walk 6 total hours per day and up to 10 total consecutive minutes. Must have the ability to frequently use fingers/hands for fingering and handling. Must have the ability to use upper extremities for frequent pushing of objects up to 10 pounds and occasional pushing of objects up to 75 lbs. Must have the ability for frequent stooping and bending. Must have the ability for frequent reaching above shoulder level. Must have the ability for touching as it relates to feeling objects by touching with the skin, particularly that of fingertips. Must have the ability for hearing as it relates to normal conversation, high frequency and low frequency hearing sounds. Must have the ability for seeing as it relates to general vision, near vision, color vision and peripheral vision.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Must have competed Certified Peer Specialist training in Pennsylvania or meet criteria to complete approved two-week Certified Peer Specialist training within the first 2 months of hire and pass Pennsylvania Certification Board CPS exam within 6 months of completing the two-week course.

• Must be a Veteran of the Armed Forces.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license along with a driving record in compliance with St. Luke’s Penn Foundation policy.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.  Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.  Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.  It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.  Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.