Peer Specialist

Position Summary :

The Peer Specialist provides support to individuals enrolled in Supportive Crisis Residence who are experiencing challenges in daily life that create risk for an escalation of symptoms that cannot be managed in the individual’s home and community environment.

Through the use of Recovery Oriented Services, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and Intentional Peer Support, the Peer Support Specialist will provide guests recovery support, health and wellness coaching, reoccurrence prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, and any other responsibilities related to the operations of a Supportive Crisis Residence .

Peer Specialist Job Responsibilities :

• Provide required services to guests enrolled in the Supportive Crisis Residence as outlined in 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, including : assistance in personal care and activities of daily living, peer support, engagement, safety planning, integration of direct care and support services, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
• Provide peer support in fidelity with the Peer and Recovery-Oriented models of support.
• Provide any needed crisis intervention, teach individuals to look at crisis differently and utilize wellness tools to prevent future crises or to decrease the intensity of personal crisis.
• Work closely with Health Homes, hospitals and treatment providers through a person centered / self-directed approach to develop an integrated plan of care including mental health, physical health, substance use services, and community supports necessary for individuals to succeed in the community.
• Provide advocacy, peer support, referral and linkage services for program guests as needed.
• Provide coverage for the program as reflected in staffing plan, including overnights as required.
• Completes all required documentation, such as Individual Service Plan, Social Determinants of Health Assessment, Strengths and Needs Assessment, Safety Planning, Daily Progress Notes, and Discharge Summary in timelines in accordance with program standards.

Peer Specialist Qualifications :

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Certified or provisionally certified by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), Family Peer Advocate (FPA), Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), and / or Peer Specialists who have completed all required State approved training specific to their title is preferred or willing to complete the certification process within six months of employment required.
• Have personal experience with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders or as a parent / primary caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders.
• Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model with one to two years of personal recovery experience is preferred.
• A respect for, compassion and high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery.

Hours : Evenings and Weekends

Starting Rate : $16.64-$18.00 per hour depending on certification status