Forensic Peer Support Specialist - Westmoreland County Prison

Glade Run Lutheran Services; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

New hire incentive up to $1000

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

401(k) with agency match

Job summary

Glade Run Lutheran Services seeks a Forensic Peer Support Specialist to join the Forensic Services Support Program at Westmoreland County Prison. You will provide re-entry peer support within a multidisciplinary team, helping individuals with mental health and/or substance use histories build skills and access resources as they prepare to rejoin the community.

As a mentor with lived experience paired with professional guidance, you will support recovery, document progress, and advocate for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Peer Support Specialist certification required.
• Past or present consumer of mental health or substance use services with history of illness.
• Minimum of one year of community-based experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Able to adapt hours to job needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide re-entry peer support within a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and review individualized recovery plans with clients weekly.
• Complete documentation and assessments accurately and timely.
• Coach clients to expand comfort levels and connect to supports.
• Collaborate with the County Forensic Services Manager and jail staff.
• Provide reports/testimony regarding progress and court follow-up.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Peer Support Specialist certification

Tools

Driver's license

PA State Police clearance

PA Child Abuse History Clearance

FBI clearance

Job description

The Forensic Peer Support Specialist - Forensic Services Support Program will provide re-entry peer support as part of a multidisciplinary team within Westmoreland County Prison, working with individuals who have a mental health and/or substance abuse history. The role focuses on helping clients enhance recovery through skill building, accessing resources, and developing support and independence as they transition back into the community. The Specialist serves as a mentor and advocate, pairing lived experience with professional guidance to support the individual’s journey through the criminal justice system and community reintegration.

New hire incentive: Eligible for up to a $1000 incentive bonus if hired and all qualifications are met.

Job Location: WESTMORELAND OFFICE 2 - Greensburg, PA 15601

Salary Range: $13.57 - $19.14 hourly

Position Type: Full-time/Regular

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 ones illness.
• Minimum of one year of experience working in community-based settings is 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.
• Ability to establish and maintain 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.
• Participation 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.
• Identify with the agency’s mission statement and support its core values.

Knowledge Areas:

• Familiarity with the operations of the criminal justice system.
• Accessing and referring to community resources.
• Understanding of mental health diagnoses and issues.
• Understanding of drug and alcohol issues.
• Understanding of child protective services law.
• Understanding of the public welfare system.
• Multicultural competency.
• Crisis response and support.
• Confidentiality.
• Professional boundaries.

Annual Requirements:

• Training: Completion of designated training related to the job performance annually, along with required County Prison training.
• Medical/Physical: Post-offer drug screening.

Core Competencies:

• Establish rapport with clients and provide orientation on service delivery and frequency.
• Provide direct peer recommendations based on lived experience.
• Develop an individualized recovery plan and review it weekly with clients to support recovery.
• Complete all required documentation and assessments accurately and timely.
• Coach and support the individual in expanding comfort levels in other settings, facilitating connection to formal and informal community supports.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team to provide best treatment, collaborating with the County Forensic Services Manager, criminal justice system, and county jail staff.
• Provide reports/testimony regarding progress, support and encourage individuals in adhering to any court-sanctioned follow-up, and assist with advocacy.
• Observe all confidentiality rules for clinical information internally and externally.

Glade Run is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and paid holidays for full-time staff.
• 401(k) offering with agency match at $1.00 per dollar contributed up to 4% of salary.
• Agency-provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage for full-time staff.
• Voluntary benefit options: Disability Insurance (Short-Term Disability), 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.
• Free licensure supervision.
• Free credentialing assistance.
• Quarterly productivity incentives.
• Tuition reimbursement for full-time staff.
• Flexible work schedules (as applicable).
• Annual merit increases for eligible positions based upon yearly budget.
• New hire incentive bonuses.
• Employee referral bonus incentives.
• Employee discount program.
• Approved agency for public student loan forgiveness.
• Employee assistance program.
• Partnership with Geneva College offering a 25% tuition discount on select degree programs.
• Partnership with Capella University offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and free professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities for membership to civic/community organizations.