Forensic Peer Support Specialist

Glade Run Lutheran Services; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision

401(k) match up to 4%

Paid training and administrative time

Job summary

Glade Run Lutheran Services is seeking a Forensic Peer Support Specialist in Westmoreland County, PA, to provide peer support to individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse history. The role involves mentoring clients as they transition back to the community and requires a high school diploma or GED, peer support certification, and relevant experience. The position is full-time with benefits including medical, dental, and 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Past or present consumer of mental health or substance abuse services with a history of managing one's illness.
• Minimum of one year experience working in community-based settings (preferred).
• Access to a reliable automobile.

Responsibilities

• Provide re‑entry peer support as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Mentor and advocate to individuals in or seeking recovery.
• Work with clients to enhance their recovery and develop independence.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to adapt hours to the needs of the position

Skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships

Education

High school diploma or GED certificate

Peer Support Specialist certification

Job description

The Forensic Peer Support Specialist may be eligible for up to a $1000 new hire incentive bonus if hired and meet all qualifications.

The role of the Forensic Peer Support Specialist - Forensic Services Support Program is to provide re‑entry peer support as part of a multidisciplinary team within Westmoreland County Prison, to individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse history. Service provision will focus on working with clients to enhance their recovery through gaining skills, accessing resources, and developing natural support and independence as they transition back into the community. The Peer Support Specialist will serve as a mentor and advocate to individuals in or seeking recovery. Glade Run recognizes that pairing lived experiences of people in recovery plays a significant role as the individual moves through the criminal justice system and returns to the community is critical.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Peer Support Specialist certification (Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, or Certified Family Recovery Support Specialist).
• Past or present consumer of mental health or substance abuse services with a history of managing one's illness.
• Minimum of one year experience working in community‑based settings (preferred).

Other Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and access to a reliable automobile.
• Ability to adapt hours to the needs of the position.
• Access to a telephone.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships with agency personnel and community stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a correctional facility environment.
• Emotional stability to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively.
• Ability to work in a flexible environment.
• Must participate in regularly scheduled supervision and team meetings.
• Exemplify professional boundaries at all times.
• Ability to remain organized despite pressured situations.
• Acceptable PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI clearance.
• Identification with the agency’s mission statement and support for the agency’s core values.

Knowledge Areas

• Familiarity with the operations of the criminal justice system.
• Accessing and referring to community resources.
• Mental health diagnoses and issues.
• Drug and alcohol issues.
• Child protective services law.
• Public welfare system.
• Multicultural competency.
• Crisis response and support.
• Confidentiality.
• Professional boundaries.

Training & Medical/Physical Requirements

• Annual completion of designated training related to job performance.
• Annual required training by the County Prison.
• Post‑offer drug screening.

Core Competencies

• Establish rapport with the client to provide orientation regarding how services are delivered, including frequency of services.
• Provide direct peer recommendations based on own lived experience.
• Develop an Individualized Recovery Plan for the client to identify appropriate resources and supports; review the plan weekly to ensure needed supports are received.
• Complete all required documentation and assessments accurately and timely.
• Coach and support the individual to expand comfort levels in other settings to connect to formal and informal community supports.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team to provide individuals with the best treatment possible, including collaborating closely with the County Forensic Services Manager, the criminal justice system, and county jail staff.
• Provide reports or testimony regarding progress, support, and encouragement of individuals in adhering to court‑sanctioned follow‑up; assist individuals with advocating for themselves and as needed.
• Observe all rules of confidentiality regarding clinical information and treatment internally and while working with external agencies and individuals.

Job Location

Westmoreland County, PA (Westmoreland County Prison)

Position Type

Full‑Time / Regular

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and paid holidays for full‑time staff.
• 401(k) offerings with agency match up to 4% of salary.
• Agency‑provided life insurance and long‑term disability coverage for full‑time staff.
• Voluntary benefit options such as disability insurance, cancer coverage, critical illness, medical bridge, accident insurance, life insurance, and identity theft protection.
• Paid mileage reimbursement.
• Paid training and administrative time.
• Cell phone reimbursement.
• Licensure supervision for free.
• Free credentialing assistance.

Glade Run is an Equal Opportunity Employer.