FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
The OnTrackNY Program is a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) treatment program at BestSelf Behavioral Health serving adolescents and young adults. Our mission with the OnTrackNY Program is to empower young people to make meaning of their mental health experiences and to pursue their goals for school, work and personal relationships.
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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. Services may be provided in client's primary home residence or within various community resources as deemed necessary for treatment goals.
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.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Associate degree in Human Services plus two years of advocacy experience in a human service agency or health care facility -OR- HS diploma/equivalent plus 4 years of experience in a human service agency or health care facility
OMH Certified Peer Specialist or OASAS Certified Peer Advocate or provisional certification required.
Must be a peer have a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process.
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.
Bilingual strongly preferred.
Valid NYS Driver's License.
Must have accredited NYS Defensive Driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire.
Must maintain active NYS Defensive Driving course every 3 years, upon expiration.
Must send updated copies of vehicle inspection, registration, and insurance cards to Human Resources upon expiration.
Benefits include:
