Peer Specialist

Position: Peer Specialist

Division: Behavioral Health Care

Status: Full Time with Benefits

Location: Herkimer, NY

Base Schedule: 7:00am- 7:30pm/7:00pm-7:30am –  three 12-hour shifts with some weekends required.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center (ICSC) Certified Peer Advocate will assist clients in defining their personal recovery goals for mental health, crisis and substance use through the use of outreach, advocacy, mentoring and recovery support services. Through the provision of a variety of peer support services, the ICSC Certified Peer Advocate will work to increase the client’s involvement in treatment, life planning, and decision making. The ICSC Certified Peer Advocate will assist with personal empowerment, helping clients to develop appropriate skills for self-advocacy. The ICSC Certified Peer Advocate will support clients presenting to the ICSC and assist clients to increase access to appropriate services and supports while decreasing the need for future acute services. The ICSC Certified Peer Advocate may have personal experience with mental illness and addiction recovery systems and will share their skills and knowledge directly with clients, as well as through modeling and social learning. The ICSC Certified Peer Advocate may perform duties in other agency programs and services as assigned.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Coordinate client care plan with multidisciplinary team and communicate regarding case assignments.
• Facilitate intake process with clients.
• Conduct ongoing engagement with clients presenting to the ICSC, during the time of their stay and coordinate ongoing care post-discharge.
• Co-facilitate groups and activities which foster client’s individual development and empowerment.
• Assist clients in developing and discussing the practical application of symptom management skills, life-skills, self-care skills, and socialization skills.
• Provide one-on-one social interaction, advocacy and individual support with clients as appropriate including as an acting support at court or other system meetings.
• Utilize the ICSC Electronic Health Records system for documentation and record maintenance.
• Complete required documentation accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
• Complete face-to-face engagements for crisis events in conjunction with crisis providers and follow up visits for the purpose of wellness checks, linkage efforts, or for the delivery of ICSC materials or documents which assure greater compliance with treatment.
• Attend and participate in staff/agency meetings, supervision and training as assigned.
• Adhere to professional ethics, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and maintain confidentiality of protected health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
• Maintain self in a professional manner at all times, adhering to the Neighborhood Center, Inc.’s policies and procedures and in keeping with the Agency’s Mission Statement.
• Punctuality and regular attendance are essential responsibilities of each employee. Employees must report to work as scheduled, on time, and prepared to begin their workday.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree in a Human Services related field preferred

OR

• High School Diploma/Equivalency Diploma and at least one (1) year of experience working with the target population.  

AND

• New York State Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), Youth Peer Advocate, or Family Peer Advocate Provisional Certification. Credentialing must be completed within an acceptable time frame as deemed by The Neighborhood Center, Inc. and any regulatory bodies.

AND

• Clean and valid New York State Driver License and reliable transportation.
• Has sufficient knowledge of recovery through overcoming the challenges resulting from a diagnosis of substance use and/or mental illness, or through being a caregiver/professional working with an individual using recovery services.
• Experience working well as a team member.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals and agencies within the community.
• Personal experience with the mental health and substance use delivery services systems.

We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the success of our organization and are dedicated to creating a workplace that welcomes and values all individuals. We strive to create a culture that fosters respect, openness, and understanding, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for open positions.

Program: Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center
Division: Behavioral Health
Status: Full Time
Location: Herkimer, NY
Rate of Pay: $23.58 per hour
Base Schedule: 7:00am- 7:30pm/7:00pm-7:30am –  three (3)  12-hour shifts with some weekends required.