Forensic Certified Peer Specialist: Justice Related Services

Forensic Certified Peer Specialist: Justice Related Services is a program at Access Services serving Northampton County from the Bethlehem, PA office. The Justice Related Services (JRS) team works with adults diagnosed with severe mental illness involved in the criminal justice system, including individuals who are currently incarcerated. The program helps clients engage in their communities, reduce hospital visits and criminal behavior, shorten time spent in correctional facilities, and reduce future incarceration.

• Collaborate with the individual served and case manager to develop strategies for identifying, achieving, and maintaining goals; maintain positive working relationships and open communication with supervisor and team.
• Provide direct supports respectfully with a person centered approach; help ensure the highest quality of care with help that makes sense.
• Coach individuals to identify personal recovery related interests and access community resources educational, vocational, social, cultural and spiritual that align with their interests.
• Provide skill building support and education in mental health, wellness, and living in recovery.
• Collect and prepare program or individual related data; document all work according to agency guidelines; write case review documents and discuss services during staff meetings.
• Assist leadership in promoting peer based support in the forensic space.
• Actively assist in the resolution of crisis situations.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance; work scheduled overtime, or be available for unplanned overtime as necessary to meet program needs.
• Ability to travel during the work shift to meet expectations; drive a personal vehicle or an agency owned vehicle; meet eligibility criteria in our Motor Vehicle Policy and pass the agency's substance abuse screening at any time during employment.

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in related fields such as social work, human services, or psychology preferred.
• Experience: One year prior work or volunteer experience required; lived experience of personal recovery and understanding of mental illness and recovery principles is highly desired.
• Certification: One of CPS or CRS must be completed in advance or within 6 months of hire; WRAP Facilitator training is desirable.
• Driving Requirements: Valid driver's license with 2+ years of driving experience, reliable vehicle, and car insurance (required); willingness to drive throughout Northampton County during the workday to meet with clients (required).
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Excellent organizational and oral/written communication; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to maintain effective working relationships with personnel from state and local agencies and other professionals; demonstrated cooperative and caring attitude toward others; ability to motivate and encourage others; knowledge of recovery principles and motivational interviewing; ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules and policies governing agency services; commitment to upholding individual rights; proficiency in or ability to learn workplace applications, platforms and technologies.
• Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Work in program sites and the community routinely providing direct care and/or support with individuals; stand, sit or move as needed to provide proper care; able to move with an individual to keep them safe; able to assist someone who has fallen; walk, climb stairs; work in a standard office environment; able to lift or move up to 20 lbs; travel to offsite locations and regional offices if necessary.

Compensation: Starting rate of $20 per hour.

• Health, Vision, Rx, and Dental insurances, HSA/FSA, 401k program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 20 days PTO (vacation/sick), 7 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays
• Mileage/Toll Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites
• Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, Catastrophic Sick Leave, Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (telehealth/in person)
• Referral Bonuses up to $750 per hire
• College tuition discounts, Credit Union perks, retail discounts

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.