Peer Support Specialist II

Overview

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC is one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, with a budget of $260 million and 15 sites throughout New Jersey.

Services are readily accessible and include inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children, and child protective service workers.

In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Peer Support Specialist II for the Crisis Receiving Stabilization Center within University Behavioral Healthcare. The Peer Support Specialist II will assist in the development and maintenance of a recovery-oriented environment for adults (age 18 years 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.

Services are provided in accordance with UBHC and Unit policies and procedures.

• Uses his/her own experiences with recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and relationship building with the consumer or family member.
• Acts as liaison to community resources and assists consumers in using these resources to enhance their independent living skills as indicated by feedback from consumers, families, and team members.
• As needed, documents assessments, interventions and interactions with consumers in accordance with UBHC policies as reviewed by a supervisor.
• Maintains a working knowledge of available resources in the community and communicates same to team and the consumer as observed by supervisor.
• Follows direction and is receptive to feedback from outside agencies as indicated by supervisory observation.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility with respect to job assignments as indicated by supervisor's observation.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting others.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Be a self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who has personal experience and knowledge of recovery.
• Knowledge about psychosocial rehabilitation and the recovery model is essential.
• Be able to work independently and as a member of a team. Be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Have good knowledge of public transit system or willingness to learn and teach.
• Be able to use computer to record services or be willing to learn.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

• 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…