ChristianaCare’s Project Engage is looking to hire a full-time Peer Counselor I.
Project Engage, an innovative program launched in 2008, initially focused on a single Peer Counselor at Wilmington Hospital, expanded to Christiana Hospital in 2011 and the Emergency Departments in 2013.
Project Engage is an early intervention program aimed at helping hospital patients struggling with substance use disorder. It works with hospital staff to connect patients with community-based treatment programs and resources. Peer Counselors, recovery peers, are integrated into the hospital's clinical setting to meet with patients at their bedside about their substance use. Peer Counselors work with patients to understand their goals and plan treatment options. Use motivational interviewing to empower patients in decision-making, helping them seek help for substance use.
A Peer Counselor I at Christiana Care is a peer with experience in mental health or substance use disorder recovery. They engage with individuals needing additional assessment and intervention through screening. Peer Counselors collaborate with other Peer Counselors, Discharge Coordinators, Project Engage administrative staff, hospital and emergency department clinical teams, and community-based substance use disorder treatment providers to identify resources and link patients to appropriate services upon discharge. Direct patient care comprises over 75% of their job.
Project Engage | ChristianaCare
Work Schedule
Wednesday through Saturday from 11pm to 9:30amDuties / Responsibilities:
As a Peer Counselor I, you will work with the Project Engage staff, emergency departments, and hospital units to identify individuals with substance use symptoms and link them to community treatment. You will use your lived experience to engage patients, conduct motivational interviews, and educate them on the dangers of drug and alcohol use. You will develop relationships with the emergency departments and hospital case managers and Project Engage discharge coordinators to coordinate care and discharge planning. You will help assist clients in setting goals, facilitating warm handoffs, and arranging transportation to treatment facilities. Help promote recovery through modeling your own person story, self-confidence, achievements, and self-determination, using natural supports like self-help and 12 Step Programs. You will provide training and education to other team members on recovery-oriented care, peer support resources, wellness and relapse prevention tools, trauma informed care, and creativity and the arts.
Compensation / Benefits:
Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, etc.Two retirement planning offerings, including 403(b) with company contributions.Generous paid time off with annual roll-over and opportunities to cash out12 week paid parental leaveTuition assistanceIncredible Work/Life benefits including annual membership to care.com, access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work, retirement planning services, financial coaching, fitness and wellness reimbursement, and great discounts through several vendors for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, insurance and much more!Education / Requirements:
High School Graduate or GED required.The Peer Counselor is an individual who has a unique perspective because of his/her own experience with substance use disorder or mental health disorder. Must be willing to self-disclose as appropriate and to attend training leading to certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist within one year of hire.One year experience working in the mental health field in voluntary or paid position required.
Strengths and Qualities:
You must possess knowledge of substance use disorders, assessment methods, motivational interviewing, and supportive counseling and case management services. Be proficient in Microsoft Office products and 21st-century technology for communication with patients and staff.
When we lead with love, excellence is inevitable.
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Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.