Peer Specialist - Brooklyn Peer Advocacy

Mission Statement:

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is committed to providing peer recovery, person-centered, trauma informed, and compassionate services to those with mental health lived experience.

Vision:

Our vision is to drive a cultural transformation within the mental health community by advocating for the underserved, educating for change, and inspiring wellness. We approach our role with cultural humility and mindfulness of oppressive systems.

Our Core Values:

• We value a mentoring philosophy delivered from staff with peer lived experiences.
• We value the recovery journey of every individual with a mental health diagnosis.
• We value the personal and professional experiences of our staff and board members.
• We value community action to change societal views to break the stigma of mental health through advocacy within all systems.
• We value everyone's desire to have opportunities to obtain their visions of wellness.

Qualifications:

Peer Specialist candidates are current or former recipients of mental health services. Must have good office skills. Some experience or training in Peer Advocacy is also required as well as basic knowledge of Self-Help Techniques and the ability to be patient and supportive with consumers. A knowledge of Community Mental Health System is a plus. Basic phone and computer skills are needed. Also, applicants must have the ability to complete the required paperwork.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• APS (Academy of Peer Services) certification or submission of application for certification within 6 months of hire
• Peer Advocacy and Peer Bridger candidates must have been current or former recipients of mental health services.
• Some experience or training in Peer Advocacy is also required as well as basic knowledge of Self-Help Techniques and the ability to be patient and supportive with consumers
• Knowledge of the Community Mental Health System is a plus
• Internet Savvy with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Also, applicants must have the ability to complete the required paperwork

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Direct Services

• Model and promote the principles of recovery/self-help.
• Advocate for participant civil rights and liberties.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to this position. (And understands HIPAA)
• Provide mental health services within the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
• Also provide any other linkages, and/or referrals to such services.
• Maintain face-to-face/direct services and an ongoing caseload.
• Facilitate activities (groups, etc.) that promote all services.
• Maintain a formal office area, organized to promote our services.
• Promote empowerment, self-advocacy, and self-esteem through a sharing of your real world experiences.
• Provide as much “hands-on” assistance as possible, when asked for, or it is clearly needed.
• Advocate for other needed services and assist participants to negotiate other service systems.
• Provide information about entitlement and accompanying participants to government offices when needed.
• Work collaboratively with other organizations and promote a positive interagency relationship.

Documentation

• Document all services delivered to participants according to agency policies.
• To gain a command of the Acclaim (Foothold) data-base program within a reasonable length of time.
• Enter information into data-base in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain administrative, program, and participant records in a complete and organized manner consistent with all applicable policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Submit accurate and timely reports as requested by the agency management. (Ex. Monthly Log summary, and information for DOHMH (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) and OMH (Office of Mental Health) (Office of Mental Health reports)
• Participate in ongoing trainings designed to enhance growth and skill development.
• Perform office, program, and agency duties as required.
• Participate in Advocacy and Recovery-based events.

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition or religious exemption that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, an exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.