Peer Support Specialist III

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, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 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. In addition, 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 III for the First Episode Psychosis Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Peer Support Specialist III is a member of a team offering person centered, culturally competent instrumental, information and emotional support either in person or by phone. The PSS III uses lived experience and basic peer support skills to engage and empower persons served to support their wellness.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, walking, talking or hearing. No special vision requirements. Ability to speak clearly and write proficiently. Hearing is essential. The ability to focus on the task at hand despite numerous interruptions. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and document into an electronic medical record. The employee spends much time driving, walking, standing, bending and talking with individuals served in the community located throughout the County. The employee can expect to lift up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment includes both office based services and community outreach. Individual wellness checks and crisis intervention required. Subject to unpredictable situations and individual crises, to include behavioral, medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to blood borne pathogens that require use of personal protective equipment.