Mental Health/Addiction Career Fair April 30 In Sayreville

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — NJ Connect for Recovery, in conjunction with Consumer Connections, both services of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, will host their second annual 2019 Statewide Peer Career Fair on Tuesday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Middlesex County Fire Academy located at 1001 Fire Academy Drive in Sayreville.

The statewide event will feature employers from mental health, addictions and co-occurring programs and will serve as an opportunity for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists as well as those interested in pursuing certifications to meet employers and network with other peers.

This career fair will feature a wide variety of employers within mental health, addiction and co-occurring programs. In addition to networking opportunities, the Statewide Peer Career Fair will feature brief presentations and panel discussions on the peer certification process, different certifications available and the distinctions between each, self-care and career development. Additionally, employment experts will be available on-site to provide last-minute interview tips and resume feedback to aspiring peer professionals.

"Peers" are individuals with lived experience with recovery from mental health, substance use, or trauma conditions who receive specialized training and supervision to guide and support others who are experiencing similar mental health, substance use or trauma toward increased wellness or recovery. Peers are individuals who have made a personal commitment to his or her own recovery and maintained that recovery over time while also undergoing training to guide others through their own journeys.

“Peer supporters play a vital role in the mental health and addiction fields, integrating their own personal experience with certified expertise to truly connect with individuals coping with mental health issues, substance misuse or trauma and inspire them along their own paths to increased wellness or recovery,” said Robert Kley, Vice President and CEO, MHANJ. “This event not only expands and enhances the supportive network of peers in our state, but also provides aspiring peer specialists with resources to launch their careers and connects Certified Peer Specialists to employers whose programs would highly benefit from their lived experiences and training.”

Participating employers include but are not limited to:

• RWJBarnabas Health
• Mental Health Association in NJ
• The Ammon Foundation
• The State of New Jersey, Public Defender’s Office
• Trinitas Medical Center
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey

Registration is required to attend this event and professional attire is strongly recommended. Please Contact Chrissy Schayer, Director of Consumer Connections at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey atcschayer@mhanj.org for more information.

More details on the event and the link for peer/employee registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-statewide-peer-career-fair-tickets-57727440328

The link for employer registration can be found here.