Candidates must have demonstrated interpersonal communications skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with recipients of mental health services AND two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or recipient run organizations or similar experiences or programs.
Duties Description As a Peer Specialist, you would provide direct mental health services to recipients in emergency, inpatient, outpatient, community support programs, and residential settings. You would serve as a role model for recipients and educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group process; teach them effective coping strategies, sometimes based on personal experience; assist them in clarifying their goals for rehabilitation and recovery; and help them to develop support systems. As a Peer Specialist, you would perform a range of tasks designed to assist recipients in regaining personal control over their lives and over their own recovery processes. Your tasks would focus on facilitating the development of self-help skills, support systems, coping strategies, and the increased hope and self-esteem that are central to recovery from a psychiatric disability.
Additional Comments All OMH employees receive a generous benefits package including:
• NYS medical, dental, & vision insurance
• Access to tuition assistance programs
• Excellent opportunities for advancement & professional growth
• Paid time off - 13 paid vacation days in the first year, 5 paid personal days, 13 paid holidays, & paid sick leave
• NYS Retirement programs
Background checks will be required.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Human Resources
Telephone
Fax 716-816-2554
Email Address bpc-careers@omh.ny.gov
Address
Street Buffalo Psychiatric Center

400 Forest Avenue
City Buffalo
State NY
Zip Code 14213
Notes on Applying Indicate the Title and Location of the position you are applying for. Please complete the Office of Mental Health Employment Application and submit it with your other application materials.
http://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/employment/docs/employment-application.pdf
The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.