Peer Specialists

Job Bank (PA only)

Peer Support Specialist

Hedwig House, Inc
H.O.M.E.S. Team (Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program)

Summary:
This is a part-time (20 hours per week), fixed schedule, non-exempt position.  Position is grant funded through March 31, 2011. Position will be assigned as part of the Hedwig House H.O.M.E.S. Team Program, currently located in Lansdale. Duties and responsibilities will primarily require services to be delivered in Montgomery County area.

Requirements:

• Must be a Certified Peer Specialist
• Demonstrates knowledge of recovery/wellness principles and ability to apply them successfully to one’s own life
• Skills and competence to establish supporting, trusting relationships with people with mental illnesses and respect for peoples’ rights and personal preferences is essential.
• Demonstrates proficiency in reading, writing, and basic computer literacy 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a focused team
• PA driver’s license and insurable driving record required

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. As part of the H.O.M.E.S. Team staff, the Peer Support Specialist will:

1. Outreach to identify members wanting additional support services.
2. Initiate meeting with member to plan for the member’s support services using WRAP planning as appropriate.
3. Provide individualized support services through face-to-face and/or telephone contact as agreed upon with the member.
4. Encourage members in achieving and maintaining their goals outlined in their rehabilitation plan, through reminders with phone calls/visitations throughout the week
5. Be willing to work a flexible schedule outside of normal work hours if necessary

2. Relating to the five domains of psychiatric rehabilitation:

1. Living
   1. Assisting members with the development of everyday living skills in residential setting
   2. Working with members to solve problems using members’ own support system, or if member is unable, to help develop such a support system
   3. Transporting of members to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, laundromat, etc. when other modes of transportation are not available
   4. Teaching modes of transportation and assisting member in accessing these modes of transportation when needed
2. Social
   1. Reaches out to members who are experiencing isolation or withdrawal
   2. Facilitate group activities by working with members on planning, preparation for, and implementation of activities
   3. Facilitate members’ integration into their own communities
3. Illness and Wellness
   1. Is available to members for personal Peer Support relating to illness as requested.
   2. Provides the support needed to enable member to make use of the clinical team when needed, or on an ongoing basis
4. Vocational
   1. Outreach to employed members wanting additional support services
   2. Assisting in identifying resources in the community to support job finding
5. Educational
   1. Assisting members in identifying personal educational goals
   2. Supporting members in the process of search, enrollment, and matriculation.
   3. Being a group leader, planning and facilitating discussion groups on topics the members have interest in

3. Relating to administrative responsibilities

1. Attend Agency and County meetings such as supervisory sessions, staff meetings, Peer Support Specialist meetings, training related to the functions of their position and other meetings as needed.
2. Document members’ progress
3. Other related duties in the encouragement, support and maintenance of Members.

To apply: 

Submit a resume and cover letter by January 15th to: 

Mrs. Karen Bitting
Hedwig House, Inc.
904 DeKalb Street
Norristown, PA  19401

You may also e-mail or fax the above to the following: karenbitting@hedwighouse.org or (610) 279-1498.