The role of the Forensic Peer Support Specialist – Forensic Services Support Program is to provide re-entry peer support as part of a multidisciplinary team within Westmoreland County Prison, to individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse history. Service provision will focus on working with clients to enhance their recovery through gaining skills, accessing resources, and developing natural support and independence as they transition back into the community. The Peer Support Specialist will serve as a mentor and advocate to individuals in or seeking out recovery. Glade Run recognizes that pairing lived experiences of people in recovery plays a significant role as the individual moves through the criminal justice system and returns to the community is critical.

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 one's illness.

• Minimum of one year experience working in the community-based settings preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and access to a reliable automobile

• Ability to adapt hours to needs of position

• Access to a telephone

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with agency personnel and community stakeholders

• Must be comfortable working in a correctional facility environment

• Must have emotional stability to perform essential job functions

• Must be able to work quickly and effectively

• Must be able to be able to work in a flexible environment

• Must participate in regularly scheduled supervision and team meetings

• Must be able to exemplify professional boundaries at all times

• Ability to remain organized despite pressured situations.

• Must have acceptable PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance

• Must be able to identify with the agency’s Mission Statement and support the agency’s Core Values.

KNOWLEDGE AREAS:

• Familiarity with the operations of the criminal justice system

• Accessing and referring to community resources

• Mental health diagnosis and issues

• Drug and alcohol issues

• Child protective services law

• Public welfare system

• Multicultural Competency

• Crisis response and support

• Confidentiality

• Professional boundaries

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Establish rapport with the client to provide orientation in regards to how services are delivered including frequency of services.

• Provide direct peer recommendations based on own lived experience.

• Develop an Individualized Recovery plan for the client to identify appropriate resources and supports. Review the Individualized Plan with clients on a weekly basis to ensure they are receiving the necessary support to aid in their recovery.

• Complete all required documentation and assessments in an accurate and timely manner.

• Coach and support the individual to expand their comfort levels in other settings to assist them with connecting to other formal and informal community supports.

• Work cooperatively as part of a team to provide individuals with the best treatment possible including collaborating closely with the County Forensic Services Manager, the criminal justice system, and the county jail staff in the County Prison, treatment members of the FSSP, and other community resources.

• Provide reports/testimony regarding progress, support and encourage individuals in adhering to any court sanctioned follow up/through, and assist individuals with advocating for themselves as well as providing advocacy as needed.

• Observe all rules of confidentiality relating to clinical information and treatment both internally and while working with external agencies and individuals.

Job Location: Westmoreland County, PA, United States

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Who We Are: Founded in 1854 by the Rev. Dr. William Passavant in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, Glade Run has evolved over the years to meet the changing and increasingly challenging needs of children, adults and families throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond. With a focus on education, mental health, autism, and unique therapeutic offerings, Glade Run has a long tradition of linking faith and service. Last year, Glade Run served over 5,000 individuals with impactful, innovative services in school, home, and community settings. Equal Opportunity Employer

What We Offer – Community Mental Health Programs (Must meet eligibility requirements- see policies/plan documents for complete requirements and eligibility)

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and 401K offerings with agency match

• Agency provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage

• Paid mileage for traveling between client sites and offices

• Paid training and administrative time

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employee Referral Bonus Incentives

• Approved Agency for Public Student Loan Forgiveness

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee Discount Program

• Partnership with Capella University offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and free professional development opportunities

• Glade Run is Sanctuary certified – we provide a supportive, respectful environment for our clients and our staff where shared governance, open communication, social learning and responsibility, non-violence, emotional intelligence, and growth and change are paramount in all aspects of our programming

Qualifications