Be the change that you wish to see in the world!
We have exciting Peer Support employment opportunities at The Ferns Peer-Run Respite, for per diem work Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, at our location in Pottstown, PA. To ensure success as a Ferns Peer Partner, you will have significant experience with and understanding of advocacy, group facilitation, and peer support, and will be familiar with Intentional Peer Support, Trauma-Informed Practices, and related values and principles. This is a peer role, requiring lived experience. As a peer, you will be someone who has personally experienced crisis, trauma, and/or extreme distress.
If you are interested in a per diem position at The Ferns, please forward your resume and a cover email to Kim Renninger at krenninger@theferns.org. Please be sure to address the following in your cover email:
• Will you be able to reliably commute to Pottstown, PA for this job?
• How many years of direct support experience do you have?
• As much as you feel comfortable, please share experience you have supporting others with their mental health struggles. We are looking for candidates who have experience that will help our guests connect and heal during their stay at the respite.
• As much as you feel comfortable, please share some insight as to your own experiences with your mental health and/or the mental health system. We ask this because as team members of the Ferns respite, we want to ensure that our staff can connect and empathize with our guests and be able to share stories and relate in a way that helps their healing journey.
• Note the days of the week, hours, and/or schedule available to work.
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The Ferns Peer-Run Respite Ferns Peer Partner Job Description
Salary Range: $18.00 for Regular Per diem staff with $1.00 differential for night shift
Job Summary: The Ferns Peer Partner will offer support through an Intentional Peer Support (IPS) and trauma-informed lens. The goal of this position is to create connections and provide support to guests during their stay, as well as sharing resources as needed and participating in regular house upkeep.
Supervisory Relationships: The Peer Respite Director will directly supervise the Ferns Peer Partner. Employment Status: Non-exempt, Check one: ☐Regular Part-time ☐Per diem with at least one shift a month. Location: Pottstown Region
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
1. General
a. Hold and exemplify the values of the Peer Respite model, including Intentional Peer Support (IPS) and trauma-informed peer support. This includes an awareness of broader social justice issues, such as how oppression intersects with the mental health system.
b. Maintain confidentiality and privacy of guests staying at the Respite.
c. Perform required documentation and guest log standards per Director’s instruction.
d. Assist in entrance and exit process as needed for each guest.
e. Take part, along with other team members and guests, in the general upkeep of the Respite space which will include periodic assigned cleaning, meal preparation, and maintenance of the exterior of the space (shoveling, raking, mowing).
f. Share responsibilities for answering the respite phone.
g. Be responsible for other duties assigned as they evolve.
h. Complete all required training and continued education as needed.
i. Job duties may vary depending on shift and position.
2. Direct Support
a. Maintain an accessible presence at the Peer-Run Respite as needed for the desired support of guests.
b. Provide individualized support within the framework of Intentional Peer Support (IPS).
c. Provide on-call, in-person, and telephonic support when scheduled or as needed.
d. Along with the other respite staff, support guests to self-determine and advocate for their needs and desires, including connecting with resources and maintaining existing community connections.
e. Ferns Peer Partner may be asked to support guests in the community as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Education and/or Experience
a. Personal experience and identification with the challenges associated with the mental health service system, extreme states, or trauma is required.
b. Experience or training in supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
c. A minimum of a high school diploma or GED preferred.
d. Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential preferred.
e. Must have or complete IPS training within 6 months of hire.
f. **Background checks and Megan’s Law will be performed on all potential hires.
2. Abilities
a. Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
b. Ability to function as an advocate and create an empowering atmosphere for individuals to take leadership in their own healing.
c. Ability and willingness to use own experiences in an open and intentional manner.
d. Bilingual/bicultural in English and other languages or ways of communicating and/or cultures is a plus.
