CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST

Resources for Human Development; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Apis Services, Inc. seeks a Forensic Certified Peer Specialist to ensure procedures and regulations are followed, collaborating with consumers, family members, and team members to promote recovery and WRAP.

The role emphasizes direct consumer contact and structured social and rehabilitative activities. The position requires firsthand experience with mental health services and the forensic system in Allegheny County, with involvement in coordination, documentation, and meetings, plus regional

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Board Certified as a Peer Specialist required.
• Valid Driver’s License and automotive insurance.

Responsibilities

• Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders.
• Provide recovery coaching and assist in recovery management and goal setting.
• Identify personal strengths and develop a strength-based recovery plan.
• Assist with accessing mental health services and navigate the legal system.
• Participate in treatment and aftercare meetings as requested.
• Travel throughout the region and document services in EHR software.

Skills

Recovery coaching

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Board Certified as a Peer Specialist

Tools

Electronic health record software

Job description

Position Summary

Under the authority of the Program Director and in coordination with the team supervisor, the Forensic Certified Peer Specialist ensures that all operational procedures and regulations are followed. The role involves collaborating with consumers, team members, family members, significant others and collateral resources to promote socialization experiences, creative rehabilitative skills training opportunities, maximize empowerment experiences, structure social and recreational activities, and promote recovery through the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). It requires 60% of the time spent in direct contact with the consumer or their representatives, and up to 30% of the time for documentation and team meetings. The position requires direct, firsthand experience using mental health services as well as the forensic system in Allegheny County.

Program Responsibilities

• Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders.
• Provide recovery coaching and assist in recovery management, identification of personal strengths/assets, development of a strength‑based recovery plan, and strategies to meet goals.
• Assist in identifying or re‑connecting to natural supports, including peer recovery supports and self‑help groups in the community.
• Assist in scheduling appointments as needed.
• Assist with accessing and navigating the mental health and/or D&A service system.
• Assist with accessing and navigating mental health court, Adult Probation, Justice Related Services and the legal system.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, continuing care (aftercare) meetings, as requested by the member.
• Demonstrate flexibility in schedule to meet member’s needs.
• Advocate for the member’s community needs, medical, and behavioral health needs.
• Maintain Certification.
• Utilize motivational interviewing to identify the member’s strengths, needs, motivation, triggers, and goals in managing life circumstances.
• Bridge the gap between physical health care and behavioral health treatment.
• Provide telephonic assistance to members and family members concerning recovery tools and resources.
• Empower the member to self‑advocate and follow through with treatment (making and attending scheduled appointments, setting goals, and community networking).
• Travel throughout the region.
• Utilize laptop to document and bill for services through electronic health record software.
• Limited to working with adults only.

Ancillary Responsibilities

• Perform tasks that are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, which may be altered or re‑designed depending upon individual circumstances.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Board Certified as a Peer Specialist.
• Valid Driver’s License and Automotive Insurance.
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle preferred.
• One year of experience, with mental health experience preferred.
• Act 73 (FBI), Act 34 (Criminal clearance), Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
• Familiarity with computers and ability to navigate software used to document and bill for services.
• Will be required to complete and pass Forensic Certified Peer Specialist training within 6 months of hire if not already certified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.