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As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

  Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 

  Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 

  Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The mission of DBHIDS is to improve the health status of Philadelphians in need of behavioral health and/or intellectual disability services. This is accomplished through an emphasis on recovery and resilience-focused behavioral health services, as well as an emphasis on self-determination for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to help individuals realize their goals and attain the highest quality of life possible. We work with persons recovering from mental health and/or substance use, individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, and service providers to ensure that high-quality services are accessible, effective and appropriate. We are committed to developing a system of care that is data-driven, employs evidence-based practices, promotes cultural competence and eliminates health care disparities.

This is behavioral health recovery support work in the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, providing person-centered peer support services to individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis (ASD) who may/ or may not have mental health or substance use challenges. The purpose of this role is to aid in recovery, community integration, community inclusion, and employment processes.  Employees in this class are responsible for serving as an advocate, providing recovery and wellness information and assisting in the identification of program services to individuals with an ASD to aid in their wellness journey. Employees collaborate with other units to provide support for individuals living with ASD by lending their insight and providing peer support in a variety of settings.  Guiding the development of a wellness plan, aiding in the identification of goals for their wellness, and assisting in the development and delivery of training sessions are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the close supervision of the community wellness engagement unit supervisors and manager.

These services are designed to promote the empowerment, personal wellness, and community integration of individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis

The CAPS will use their lived experiences and skills learned from the CAPS training course to: support youth, young adults, and adults with autism and/or behavioral health challenges, promote self-knowledge and self-advocacy and increase community participation.  CAPS will receive training to support peers’ generation of goals, identify corresponding activities, and help them navigate challenges to achieving their goals. 

Essential Functions

Attends community meetings; meets with individuals (ASD)and may/ or may not have mental health or substance use challenges to assess and document information regarding supports provided; assists peers with identifying goals and objectives and developing plans to attain objectives; assists with the development of the initial stages of the Wellness Planning; provides and advocates for effective treatment and support services; assists in setting objectives in coordination with treatment provider; assists in identifying barriers; identifies appropriate support system and trainings; provides information on community agencies and supports and aids in utilizing these; provides coaching to achieve goals; makes recommendations to CWEU supervisor regarding the needs of the community. 

Attends networking meetings to provide support and information on ASD and wellness initiatives; supports staff in identifying environments that are sensory-friendly and conducive to wellness; lends unique insight into ASD, coordinate and deliver transformation trainings to a diverse population, including behavioral health professionals, persons with lived experiences, and community members;

Organizes and assists in preparing outreach materials; maintains documentation of encounters; coordinates and communicates with team and department staff to discuss ongoing issues regarding access and treatment; leads trainings as required.

 Attends treatment team meetings to promote use of self-directed tools; attends continuing education sessions, seminars, and in-service trainings.

Performs related work as required. 

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards that will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements.)

CERTIFICATION:

• Successful completion of the 75-hour Community Autism Peer Specialist Program

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND CERTIFICATES

• Current Certificate of completion for the Community Autism Peer Specialist program

Salary Range: $35,282 - $38,348

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
•  Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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