Certified Peer Specialist ($21.50hr - $24hr)
Location: Bethlehem

The Organization:

Valley Youth House is a nonprofit organization that empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. Valley Youth House works from a Trauma Informed / Healing Centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency

Why Join Us?

• We offer a competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match up to 6% to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth
• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• To maintain a caseload of billable contact with clients (at least 22 hours per week) as they are assigned by program supervisor.
• To successfully engage and maintain clients in the Certified Peer Specialist program.
• To service clients in their homes, schools and other community settings.
• To provide one-on-one support and encouragement to young adults to assist them with developing individual service plans aimed at increasing their active participation in person centered planning and delivery of individualized services.
• To provide the prescribed hours of service as assigned on a weekly basis 90 % of the time or more.
• To attend supervision once per week for a minimum of an hour and maintain training hours to maintain CPS requirements.
• To support young adults in problem solving related to community reintegration and developing mental health advanced directives.
• To provide ethical service consistent with CASSP principles.
• To assist individuals with the development of self-help skills and facilitate activities that lead to increased self-worth and education of community outreach.
• To provide transportation (when needed to obtain goals or objectives) and assistance to individuals in the community setting with the aim of teaching and advocating for the youth.
• To perform administrative responsibilities including progress notes, activity logs, and timesheets and to submit them within the required timeframe.
• To keep the YYA-CPS supervisor informed of any unusual or high risk situations.
• To follow the policies, procedures and rules in the agency personnel policies, employee handbook, and program manual.
• To immediately report to the supervisor 1) any situation in which a child, family member, or another person is at risk of imminent harm and/or, 2) a death occurs in any open case or a case open at the agency within the last 90 days.
• To immediately report to the supervisor any situation in which a client is threatening to sue Valley Youth House.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The Certified Peer Specialist worker shall be a mature person with sound judgment and represent an appropriate role model to youth and families.
• He or she must be and individual who has never been convicted of any child abuse offences and must have Act 33-34 clearances. He or she must possess the educational and/or experiential qualifications as set forth by the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Medical Assistance.
• The candidate will have a mental health diagnosis and have reached a place in their recovery pathway to positively support others in similar situations.
• Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
• The candidate preferably will have experience with providing mental health services or working with individuals on some level. The candidate should also have a valid driver's license with reliable transportation to meet clients in the community with the expectation of mileage compensation from Valley Youth House.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Occasionally
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. X Occasionally
• Navigating stairs and tight spaces (accessing older buildings possibly through fire escapes, narrow staircases, and tight walkways). X Occasionally
• Driving to include long distance (2-6 hours in one day). X Occasionally

**If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.

Full position details!