Peer Support Specialist II

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Peer Support Specialist II for the Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Peer Support Specialist II is to assist in the development and maintenance of a recovery-oriented environment for adults (age 18 through maturity). They will provide a wide range of peer support services to consumers to assist them in regaining control over their own lives and their own recovery process. Provides services in accordance with UBHC and Unit policies and procedures.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Uses his/her own experiences with recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and relationship building with the consumer or family member.
• Models for consumers good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies.
• Develops and maintains a therapeutic relationship with consumers so that he/she can identify emotional, psychiatric or behavioral changes which may require further intervention or treatment. Helps the consumer effectively address the problem, and/or refers the consumer to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Acts as liaison to community resources, and assists consumers in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills.
• Works closely with other team members in providing services and communicates frequently regarding client's responses to treatment.
• Assists in collection and reporting of data to evaluate program effectiveness and comply with funding source requirements.
• With direction, provides advocacy activities with Departments within the University and/or other assigned agencies and institutions.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Be a self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who has personal experience and knowledge of recovery and has a minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting others.

City: Newark

State: NJ

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasional time spent traveling to community settings for outreaches. Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 pounds). Frequently walks, bends, stretches, pushes and pulls. Manual dexterity and mobility for charting. Lifts supplies, equipment and charts. Sitting while interviewing clients; may sit up to several hours in one place. Working with seriously mentally ill adults.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Varied work settings include office and community setting. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be exposed to clients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behaviors. Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.

Special Conditions:

• Be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.