Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) (FT, .9 Night)

About the role

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.

Maximize your earnings with additional hourly pay

• +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights
• +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights
• +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

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.
• Empower individuals to navigate and utilize these resources effectively, supporting their long-term recovery goals.
• 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 skills using an empathetic response
• Resource Coordination:
• Connect individuals to essential community resources, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and spiritual support, to address their holistic needs.
• Work closely with the clinical team to communicate any concerns regarding an individual's psychiatric or medical presentation to the appropriate discipline.
• 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:
• Conduct welfare call outreach within seven days of individual's discharge from services.
• 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 required
• Certified as a Certified Peer Specialist with Pennsylvania Certification Board
• Must maintain certification throughout the course of employment
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restrain techniques
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to document in an Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) must obtain within seven days of employment
• Must pass the following background checks
• Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Check
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
• Medical screenings (Physical, TB, and Drug test)
• 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
• Physical Requirements
• Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person's weight)
• Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
• Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had

• Additional certification as a Certified Recovery Specialist with the Pennsylvania Certification Board
• 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
• Company-paid parental leave available to eligible employees

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
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan

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