Certified Peer Specialist - Harrisburg, PA (FT .9 Nights)

ConnectionsHS; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in behavioral health is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to provide empathetic support and guidance to individuals on their recovery journey. This role emphasizes the importance of peer support, crisis intervention, and resource coordination. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to foster a supportive environment that empowers individuals facing mental health challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to advocacy and a passion for helping others achieve sustainable recovery. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on lives while working in a collaborative and innovative setting.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance

401k company match

Generous PTO

Employee Assistance Program

Online Subscription to Headspace

Qualifications

• Must be certified as a Peer Specialist and maintain registration.
• Experience in crisis management and conflict resolution is essential.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate group and individual recovery sessions, advocating for individuals.
• Provide crisis intervention support and connect individuals to resources.

Skills

Peer Support

Crisis Intervention

Conflict Resolution

Resource Coordination

Documentation

Empathy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certified Peer Specialist Certification

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Overview *** Hiring for PRN positions*** ** Shift differentials for evening and weekend positions** We’re not just behavioral health people—we’re crisis people. Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery. Founded by emergency room psychiatrists Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, our model is physician-led and data-driven, drawing upon more than 15 years of crisis care expertise. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, we’ve delivered invaluable treatment to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing crises. Our commitment remains consistent, to improve access, inspire hope, and provide the right support. Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth. We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side-by-side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission. We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.

What You'll Do:

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) plays a crucial role in supporting individuals on their journey to mental health recovery by offering peer-based, empathetic guidance rooted in personal experience. This role exemplifies that recovery is both attainable and sustainable, serving as a living example of success. This position collaborates with a Multidisciplinary Team to address the diverse treatment and recovery needs of individuals while fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.

• Peer Support and Advocacy:
  • Actively facilitate or co-facilitate group and individual mental health recovery sessions, providing relatable insights and fostering a sense of community.
  • Advocate for individuals throughout the treatment process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
  • Share personal recovery experiences to inspire and motivate individuals, demonstrating that mental health recovery is achievable.
• Crisis Intervention and Management:
  • Provide early intervention support by helping individuals recognize signs of an impending crisis and develop effective crisis plans.
  • Guide individuals in implementing coping strategies that promote stability and positive outcomes in their recovery journey.
  • Work to minimize the use of seclusion and restraint by establishing trust and employing trauma-informed care practices.
• Conflict Resolution and De-escalation:
  • Utilize effective de-escalation techniques to manage and resolve conflicts, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
  • Communicate clearly and calmly during crises, helping to diffuse potentially volatile situations and maintain a therapeutic atmosphere.
• Resource Coordination:
  • Connect individuals to essential community resources, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and spiritual support, to address their holistic needs.
  • Empower individuals to navigate and utilize these resources effectively, supporting their long-term recovery goals.
• Collaborative Care:
  • Work closely with a Multidisciplinary Team, sharing insights and strategies to enhance the overall treatment plan for each individual.
  • Promote an integrated approach to care that respects and supports diverse paths to recovery.
• Documentation and Compliance:
  • Accurately document all interactions, services provided, and significant observations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
  • Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of documentation and care.
• Continuous Encouragement and Support:
  • Provide ongoing encouragement and emotional support, helping individuals stay motivated and focused on their recovery goals.
  • Use appropriate self-disclosure to build rapport and strengthen the therapeutic relationship, offering hope and reassurance.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Performs other duties as assigned to contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the treatment program and support the broader goals of the organization.

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certified as a Certified Peer Specialist with Pennsylvania Certification Board and maintains registration throughout employment
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restrain techniques
• Must pass the following background checks:
  • Child Abuse Clearance
  • FBI Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
  • Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment.

It would be great if you had:

• Additional certification as a Certified Recovery Specialist with the Pennsylvania Certification Board
• Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, etc.)
• Knowledge of evidence-based/person-centered skillsets, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction, and Person-centered language

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families.
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care).
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation).
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays.

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support.
• Online Subscription to Headspace, a digital mindfulness and meditation platform.
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan.

The standard hiring range for this position in Harrisburg, PA is $20.00 to $22.00 per hour. The exact compensation will be based on factors such as years of experience, competency, and skill level.

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance employer.

Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.