Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay range: $17.33 - $20.00 per hour Personalized salary reflecting your related experience and academic/credentialed background.

Location: 69 Linwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

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.
• 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;
• Completes all trainings required by the agency.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Degree or equivalency
• Provisional or full peer certification required.
• 2 years of experience working with children & families preferred
• Must be able to demonstrate lived experience as the parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a comprehensive team
• Must have experience and/or be willing to learn and often use basic office technology including Microsoft Word, Outlook, & Teams, copiers, phones.
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Works to create a safe environment that respects and empowers participants to feel a sense of pride in their culture and beliefs they identify with.
• Valid NYS Driver's License.
• Must have accredited NYS Defensive Driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire and send certification of completion to Human Resources.
• Must maintain active NYS Defensive Driving course every 3 years and send a copy of the new certification of completion upon expiration.
• If utilizing personal vehicle, must maintain valid vehicle inspection, registration, and insurance cards and send updated copies to Human Resources upon expiration.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Some things you can look forward to:

• Welcoming, team environment, that inspires you to thrive and be your BestSelf!
• Rewarding work experience!
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Various student loan forgiveness programs
• Multiple and diverse health insurance options
• Many other unique lifestyle & personal insurance options
• Tuition reimbursement
• CASAC certification tuition support
• Professional license/certification renewal reimbursement
• Defensive driving course reimbursement (if required for position)
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• We look forward to telling you more!