Certified Peer Specialist

PATH (People Acting to Help), Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

PATH (People Acting to Help) Inc. seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to provide crisis intervention and supportive services to youth and families in Northeast Philadelphia. The role emphasizes lived experience, linkage to resources, and collaboration with the care team.

Responsibilities include coordinating crisis plans, navigating housing and medical needs, and scheduling follow-ups within community settings, including home visits and after-hours support.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1 year experience in the Behavioral Health system.
• PA Peer Specialist Certification.
• Valid Driver's License and personal vehicle required.
• Ability to use an Electronic Health Record.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis assessment, intervention, education, and support with assigned team.
• Share lived experience to connect with individuals in crisis and aid in developing a crisis plan.
• Use evidence-based practices and SAMHSA crisis guidelines.
• Ensure interventions are person-centered and family-inclusive.
• Assist with housing, food, medical care, recreation, and educationLink resources.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

EHR experience

Driver's license

Teamwork

Crisis intervention

Education

High School Diploma or GED

PA Peer Specialist Certification

Job description

About Path Inc.

PATH (People Acting to Help) Inc. is a comprehensive Community Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Center. We offer a wide of array of services and supports to meet the needs of our community in Northeast Philadelphia. PATH regularly achieves the highest levels of accreditation including a 5 Star Provider Rating by CBH, Philadelphia’s Managed Care Entity, and recognition and awards related to our high-quality, innovative programs and staff accomplishments and contributions.

About Path Inc.

PATH (People Acting to Help) Inc. is a comprehensive Community Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Center. We offer a wide of array of services and supports to meet the needs of our community in Northeast Philadelphia. PATH regularly achieves the highest levels of accreditation including a 5 Star Provider Rating by CBH, Philadelphia’s Managed Care Entity, and recognition and awards related to our high-quality, innovative programs and staff accomplishments and contributions.

Our Mission? To Help Individuals Achieve a More Independent and Fulfilling Life.

WHY WORK AT PATH?

A Career with Meaning

At PATH, our team members are at the heart of what we do, so we work hard to give them the best reasons to work here — and to stay here.

In addition to the satisfaction of making a real difference in people's lives, we offer:

• Competitive pay
• Annual increases
• Performance and longevity bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package for staff and family
• Generous number of paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
• No-cost pension plan
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including licensure supervision
• Cutting-edge treatment facility, resources, and treatment modalities
• Opportunities for advancement and growth within the organization
• Eligible for the Federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Referral bonus for referring a friend who accepts employment

Job Summary

To promote the mission of PATH to help individuals achieve a more independent and fulfilling life by being an effective team member. To work as a team member to provide crisis intervention, support, safety plans and linkages to youth and families in Northeast Philadelphia, Region 1. As a CPS, will provide support and perspective as an individual with lived experience. The program operates 365 days/year, 24 hours/day.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1 year experience in the Behavioral Health system.
• PA Peer Specialist Certification.
• Valid Driver's License and personal vehicle required.
• Ability to use an Electronic Health Record.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Specific Duties

• Provide crisis assessment, intervention, education, and support in person, with assigned team member, within a designated time frame to referrals received by DBH/CBH.
• As a CPS, share lived experience to connect with and provide support to individuals in crisis and aid in developing a crisis support plan.
• Utilize approved evidence-based practices and tools when providing crisis assessment and intervention, including SAMHSA crisis intervention guidelines and resolution models.
• Assure all interventions are person-centered and driven by the individual and their family/supports.
• Assist the family/supports, if release of information allows, in the understanding of the events that led to the crisis from everyone’s perspective.
• Assist the individual in obtaining and maintaining culturally appropriate basic living needs including but not limited to housing, food, medical care, recreation, and education through linkage to resources and additional supports.
• To provide follow-up care and/or transfer to other levels of care from the moment that an assessment is completed, and the plan has been developed.
• Assure appointments are scheduled at a time and place convenient for the individual.
• To complete or assist others in completing involuntary commitment petitions.
• To arrange and follow through with voluntary or involuntary hospitalization admissions.
• To follow all procedures regarding the initiation of a commitment.
• Link the individual to the CRC or other 24/7 crisis staff and remain with them until the connection and collaboration is completed.
• Develop with the individual and their family/supports, if available, a safety/ crisis plan obtaining everyone’s perspective, strengths and ideas.
• Be knowledgeable of local community resources and services and provide care coordination.
• Provide up to 72 hours of intervention by scheduling follow up appointments at a time convenient for the individual, which includes evening and weekend appointments in the home and community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Minimal in nature.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.