Job Title: Peer Specialist I Location: Harambee House |
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Reports To: Program Director |
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt |
Per Diem up to 35 hrs. |
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SUMMARY OF DUTIES: |
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The Peer Specialist operates within a team of professionals who deliver services to consumers of Behavioral Health Services. The Peer Specialist delivers peer support services with rehabilitation and recovery focus, with a primary goal of connecting individuals to community based recovery supports consistent with the treatment/recovery plan. People with personal experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance use treatment or of personal recovery are encouraged to apply. Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, professional language and behavior reflecting such values are required. |
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RESPONSIBILITIES: |
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· Assist individual's mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment to participate in diverse, person-centered, self - directed services and activities that promote empowerment and robust recovery. · Provide direct contact, outreach, mentoring, systems navigation, community oversight and crisis support as needed to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders diagnoses. · Assist individuals with finding educational opportunities, employment, social activities and home health integration of services · Work towards participant's recovery goals, individually and in groups in various locations/environments. · Must be cognizant of all relevant employment, educational, housing, entitlement and social supports in the community and proactively facilitate connection to these services with participants as needed. · Will be available to transport consumers to appointments and/or community resources when needed · Engage individuals to inform about the changes happening to Medicaid. · Works in collaboration with the other program staff and partners to identify agencies to conduct outreach · Travels to numerous locations either to engage members or to support the recovery of individuals we work with; continues with individuals after discharge to identify and engage with a range of community-based supports; · Completes detailed written record of activities; · Attends trainings as required and assigned by supervisor · Maintains personal wellness. · Schedule and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and the clients we serve. |
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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: |
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· Working knowledge of community resources, including social clubs, and peer support activities. · Ability to identify potential crisis situations and convey this information to a supervisor in a timely and appropriate manner. · Must be a current or former recipient of mental health and/or substance use disorder services. · Must possess the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with mental illness and substance use disorders, and maintain respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment. · Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
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QUALIFICATIONS: |
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· Associate's Degree in Human Services plus two years of advocacy experience in a human service agency or health care facility OR · HS diploma or equivalency and 4yrs., experience in a human service agency or health care facility. AND · Must be a "peer" and have a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process. Must have personal "lived" experience as a former or current user of substance use treatment services or have personal substance use recovery experience and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed. AND · A valid NYS drivers' license · Automobile in good working order · Must have Accredited NYS Defensive driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire. · Must maintain Active NYS Defensive Driving class every 3 years, upon expiration. · If driving one's own vehicle, must maintain valid inspection and automobile insurance. · Must provide proof of insurance upon hire and when requested. · Bilingual English/Spanish, Arabic, or other language strongly preferred. |