• Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy through respectful, non-judgmental communication.
• Maintain professional, courteous demeanor in tone and work behavior.
• Maintain strict adherence to county, state, federal, and agency confidentiality laws, policies, and practices.
• Attend weekly supervision with the Program Manager or Designee.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings including All-Staff meetings and program specific meetings/trainings/conferences.
• Arrive on time to all scheduled Peer Support appointments, meetings, and supervisions.
• Development of a Professional Development Plan with Program Manager.
• Complete incident reports according to procedure.
• Facilitate support groups as assigned by Program Manager.
• At the Peer’s request:
o Provide crisis management support by:
 Assisting Peers to develop and use a Wellness Recovery Action Plan and/or Psychiatric Advance Directive.
 Assist Peers to recognize the early warning signs of relapse and how to use coping strategies.
 Assist Peers to use strategies that may help prevent the need for more restrictive services, such as hospitalization or incarceration.
o Help to coordinate and link Peers to other service providers by:
 Providing information regarding substance use services and support groups as needed.
 Help participants to use services comfortably and effectively.
 Obtain consent forms (with the individual’s permission) for each provider in order to help with service coordination.
 Help Peers gain resources to meet their basic needs, such as access to services, obtaining safe housing, or energy assistance.
o Assist Peers with the development of community roles and natural supports by:
 Assist Peers to gain information about school, work, or other training.
 Help Peers get reasonable accommodations for psychiatric disability.
 Assist Peers to be active in the community.
 Assist Peers to get (and keep) stable, adequate housing.
 Help Peers to develop and maintain positive social networks (friends, family, and associates).
o Assist with individual advocacy by:
 Assist Peers to discuss concerns about medications or diagnosis with the physician/nurse.
 Link Peers to formal advocacy services as needed.
 Participate in treatment team meetings at the Peer’s request.
 Promote environments and services that are recovery oriented.
 Support participant voice and choice in all recovery related activities.
 Assist Peers to take a proactive role in their treatment.
o Certified Peer Specialist assists with self-help and self-improvement.
 Support the Peer’s ability to make informed, independent choices.
 Help to develop a network of contacts for information and support.
 Plan and facilitate activities which lead to increased self-worth and improved self-concept.
 Support success at work or other meaningful activities of the Peer’s choosing. This might include activities such as regularly checking in at the end of the workday, reviewing social skills needed on the job, or practicing ways to handle job related anxiety.
• Accurate completion of documentation including intakes, Individual Recovery Plans, daily encounter logs, daily activity logs, timesheets, assessments, etc.…
• Keep accurate notes of every contact made with Peers, including dates and times of meetings, e-mails, phone contacts, and text messages.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner adhering to the Pennsylvania Certification Board code of ethics, standards of practice, agency policies/procedures and the ethics of Peer Support.
• Maintain cleanliness of office.
• Provide updated documentation per MHAFF policy. This includes updated identification as it expires, updated auto insurances as it renews, and obtaining updated clearances, per policy.
• Show respect and patience for each person’s unique recovery journey.
• Participate with presentation teams designed to help community service providers reduce stigmatizing approaches and promote a recovery orientation in their work.
• Must complete 75% or more of peer contacts face-to-face and no more than 25% over the phone.
• Obtain 12 continuing education units per year to maintain Board Certification.
• Must report any changes with clearance or driving status, including suspensions and violations.
• Complete Youth, Adult in Need, and Elder Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation reports as required.
• Follow all MHAFF Policies and Procedures.
• Act in the best interests of MHAFF.