Position: FT- Certified Peer Specialist ($21.60hr to $24hr)

Location: Bethlehem

The Organization:

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

Why Should You Apply?

• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
• 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 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.

Essential Functions of the Certified Peer Specialist:

• To maintain a caseload of up to 22 hours of billable contact (at least 90% which are face to face) with clients as they are assigned by Valley Youth House.
• 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 and training 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 and to document these in Strength Based Assessments, Individualized Service Plans, and Crisis plans.
• To provide transportation with staff's own vehicle (as a non-billable service) 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 TAY-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.

Minimum Qualifications of the Certified Peer Specialist:

• The candidate will have received or is receiving mental health services for a serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness, be at least 18 years of age, and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
• 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 agency shall not discriminate against staff or individuals receiving services on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religious affiliation, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, or economic status, and must observe all applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

Physical Requirements of the Certified Peer Specialist:

- 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.

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