Peer Support Specialist

Title: Peer Support Specialist - multiple positionsUnit: Treatment Services/Behavioral Health  Reports to: Program Manager, Substance Misuse ProgramStatus: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt Salary: $27.48 to $30.22 (approximately $50,000 to $55,000 annually)Location: New York Borough-based court locations and Long Island CityDays/Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

This position is represented by OPEIU Local 153

Position Summary:This exciting new position builds upon Fortune’s decades-long partnership with the NYC Department of Correction (DOC) and NYC Health Hospitals/Correctional Health Services to offer vital services to persons in custody (PICs) on Rikers Island and facilitating referrals to community supports post-release.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for engaging individuals referred by on-island staff when they appear in court.  Peer Support Specialists draw from their own experiences to assist people with a history of substance use and mental health conditions.  Individuals in this role will conduct brief assessments determining any immediate needs and motivation for services.  Peers will make referrals and connections to community-based providers, offering support through warm hand-offs and occasional transportation to service locations.  Individuals in this role will work closely with their supervisor to provide accurate, timely documentation of client engagement and referrals. 

Core Competencies

Mission and Fit:

The ideal candidate(s) will demonstrate an interest in, and talent for, working with people with criminal justice system involvement within the NYC court system. The successful candidates will understand the impacts that exposure to the criminal justice system may have had, and continues to have, on clients and demonstrate commitment to providing support. Candidates will also have demonstrated a commitment to using respectful, constructive means of communication when interacting with clients and colleagues. Individuals within this role must also utilize a strengths-based, person-centered approach and endorse the concept of looking for the best in people, rather than judging them by their worst decision(s).

Client Engagement:

The ideal candidates will demonstrate an understanding of best practices for substance use and mental health counseling.  The successful candidates will be able to incorporate active listening and observational skills to engage in productive conversations and spot signs of distress or crisis. Peer Support Specialists will assist in advocacy for clients undergoing treatment, increasing resources and building skills, and serve as mentors in setting and reaching service goals.  The ideal candidates will be able to understand the need for holistic services individuals may need to support their treatment efforts, including accessing health related social needs (HRSN). Awareness of the principles and techniques of motivational interviewing (‘MI’) and the incorporation of a harm reduction approach is also required.

Time Management & Documentation:

This position requires solid time management skills as the person must manage providing services and engaging clients in more than one NYC borough-based court location.  The position requires organizational skills to maintain accurate records for screenings/assessments completed, referrals made, and direct services provided.  Good computer skills are necessary for this role, as is familiarity with using an electronic health record (EHR) system. Solid typing skills are required to facilitate completing all documentation correctly and in a timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Substance Misuse Program Manager, court-based CRPA staff will ensure necessary assessments are presented to the court prior to individuals’ court dates and that resources are in place should alternative to incarceration placement be granted by the courts;
• For those discharged to either in- or outpatient programs from court, provide transportation or an escort to the approved program and report back to the courts that a successful intake has taken place;
• Collaborate with providers to facilitate connections to behavioral health and health related social needs (HRSN) services;
• Conduct on site needs assessments utilizing evidence-based screening tools, referring individuals for advanced clinical evaluations as needed;
• Identify eligibility and willingness to engage in various forms of treatment;
• Assist with setting, implementing, and tracking wellness and recovery goals, developing individual Wellness and Recovery Action Plans (WRAP);
• Encourage and support full engagement in services, providing outreach and assistance in overcoming barriers to treatment;
• Model and share effective coping strategies;
• Provide advice and guidance to potential clients and staff based on lived experience;
• Attend and participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary meetings;
• Participate in training opportunities to engage in professional development; 
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and thorough documentation, case records, and notes of all billable and non-billable peer support activities;
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) regulations;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• CRPA-P/CRPA and/or OMH Peer certification required;
• Ability to work independently with off-site supervision required;
• Excellent client-engagement skills; 
• Excellent clinical documentation and time management skills;
• Strong computer skills, particularly with reporting in electronic health records (EHRs);
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission.  Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements: 

• Required to travel to borough-based court locations and Fortune Society offices
• May be required to offices for meetings and/or trainings

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to travel corridors and walk up and down stairs frequently
• Ability to remove yourself expeditiously if any risks are presented.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.

Salary : $27 - $30