Certified Recovery Specialist/Certified Recovery Specialist

Position Summary: 

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.

The CPS or CRS will work in partnership with other behavioral health professionals in Philadelphia County to engage individuals who may benefit from treatment for behavioral health care and recovery support services in the community. They will play a primary role with the warm hand-off process to assure that linkages are seamless, and individuals are supported throughout the continuum of recovery support efforts. The warm hand-off process will include linkages from the clinical assessment, to treatment providers, hospitals, community- based services such as educational, vocational, social, modeling, coaching and encouragement, to name a few areas of support. This position may also provide telephone-based outreach and follow-up to provide ongoing support and be responsible for entering information into a data base.

The CPS or CRS must demonstrate an ability to share personal recovery experiences, develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships and have an understanding of and respect for each individual’s unique path to recovery.

This position is based out of Prevention Point Philadelphia’s (PPP) Mobile Outreach and Recovery Services (MORS) van with the expectation that the CPS or CRS will meet with eligible individuals at designated locations in the community and assist with escort/transport of eligible individuals to treatment facilities, as needed. CPS or CRS must be able to collaborate with healthcare systems representatives and work independently.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Conduct outreach and engagement targeting individuals seeking treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) throughout Philadelphia County.
• Offer recovery support services to individuals seeking treatment and resources to combat SUD in targeted communities.
• Actively identify and support linkages to treatment for behavioral health care, including medication assisted treatment (MAT), and community-based resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the person seeking recovery goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the individual, agency staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of an individualized recovery plan, identify and prioritize strengths and needs, recognizing many pathways to recovery, accessing and advocating for recovery and community resources. The goal should be to transition from professionally assisted recovery initiation to personally directed, community supported recovery maintenance, when necessary.
• Collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to provide effective recovery support services to identified individuals.
• Maintain project logs, reports and accurate records in appropriate files and database(s), adhering to established program standards.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services. Maintain current understanding of federal, state and local confidentiality rules and regulations.
• Engage in continuing professional development and education relative to recovery support services to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities as required to maintain credentials. 

Skills Required: 

Must be a Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist (or eligible to earn the certification within six (6) months of hire) with at least one (1) year of experience working in the behavioral health field.

Education and Experience: 

High school diploma or equivalent.  Also, CPS or CRS must be on record with at least two (2) years sustained, current recovery history.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case by case basis in accordance with the law.