Skills of Central PA is currently seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to work in State College with people receiving services through our Peer Support Services program. The schedule for this position, generally, will be 8a-4p or 9a-5p, M-F. However, flexibility is needed, at times, for some evening and/or weekend hours to meet the needs of program participants.

Peer Support Services (PSS) are specialized therapeutic interactions conducted by self-identified current or former recipients of behavioral health services who are trained and certified to offer support and assistance in helping others in their recovery and community-integration process. A Certified Peer Specialist’s role is intended to inspire hope in individuals that recovery is not only possible, but probable. The service is designed to promote empowerment, self-determination, understanding, coping skills, and resiliency through mentoring and service coordination supports that allow individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders to achieve personal wellness and cope with the stressors and barriers encountered when recovering from their disabilities.

The Certified Peer Specialist will 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). The Certified Peer Specialist will also facilitate peer support groups based on Individual Recovery Plan (IRP) goals.

About the Benefits:

Skills offers a great benefits package for this full-time position and a work environment to match!

• Competitive Pay
• Agency Vehicle May be Available While on the Job
• Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off, Plus Personal Time and Sick Time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• Flexible Spending Account for Medical and Dependent Care
• 401K Retirement Program (With Employer Matching)
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Tuition Assistance for Higher Education
• Employee Wellness Program
• Exceptional Opportunities for Career Growth

Great Co-workers and a Team to Support You!

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 pre-employment physical and drug screen required.

Valid PA Driver's License required (must be maintained along with a good driving record).