Certified PEER Specialist (Local Government) - Delaware County

Are you looking for a rewarding career in human services dedicated to improving the lives of others? Delaware County Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health has an immediate opening for a Certified Peer Specialist. We are currently seeking a motivated and compassionate individual to join our team. We offer a supportive work environment, an excellent benefit package, and opportunities for career advancement. If you are interested in this career opportunity, we encourage you to apply today!

The incumbent will work under the direction of the Mental Health Program Director and under the general supervision of the Deputy Mental Health Administrator. The Certified Peer Specialist, will be responsible for a variety of duties relating to overall mental health services in the county. General duties include but are not limited to: 

• Developing, distributing, and maintaining a flyer advertising the availability of Peer Support Services within the Mental Health Office 
• Researching and responding to Certified Peer Specialist inquiries that require a response on behalf of the county
• Receiving and responding to telephone calls from individuals in need of Peer Support services provided by a Certified Peer Specialist 
• Maintaining e-mail files on the Office of Mental Health network as well as responding to individual, provider, and Office of Mental Health staff e-mails regarding Peer Advocate services
• Maintaining a call log summarizing the contacts and Peer Advocate activities taken to support service needs and requests
• Maintaining awareness of the expenses allocated from the Certified Support Program budget
• Providing individuals seeking ongoing Peer Support services with information to help them access those services from Certified Peer Specialists at provider agencies 
• Participating in the Certified Peer Specialist Advisory Committee meetings to assist with the development and implementation of the County's Certified Peer Specialist initiative 
• Participating in the Community Support events, programs, and activities 
• Participating in the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Advisory Committee meetings to assist with the development and implementation of the County's Certified Peer Specialist initiative 
• Assisting Institute for Recovery staff to develop a Certified Peer Specialist Alumni Group providing technical assistance, continuing education, and professional peer support 
• Attending the local Delaware County Community Support Program Committee meetings with other Peer Specialists
• Assisting the community Advocate with scholarship application and approval process to attend the annual statewide PMHCA (PA MH Consumers Association) Consumer Conference

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: There will be no telework for the first six (6) months of employment. After an employee has completed six (6) months of employment and have regular status, there may be opportunities for hybrid work, per the program offices’ hybrid schedule. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Drexel Hill. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Certified Peer Specialist Training Program approved by the Department of Human Services (formerly the Department of Public Welfare).

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.