Peer Specialist - Sullivan/Ulster

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Under the general supervision of the Supportive Housing Program Manager (SHPM), the Peer Specialist (PS) will provide comprehensive care to individuals enrolled in the OMH Housing First Initiative. The Peer Specialist’s role will involve coordinating participants needs before and after their move from street to home, enhancing their daily living skills, accompaniment to appointments, and advocating on their behalf when faced with discrimination or healthcare inequities. Member choice, harm reduction, non-coercion, flexibility, and person-centered care are essential elements of the program model and should be front and center of the care delivered. The Peer Specialist will use personal experience to offer emotional support, share resources, and facilitate recovery-oriented activities drawing from their lived experience, they will meet people where they are — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — to offer support, connection, and the belief that recovery is possible. These efforts will help bring individuals into care and guide them along their recovery journey through trust, compassion, and empowerment. The role will require field-based work throughout Sullivan and Ulster Counties and must be flexible with schedule to meet the needs of the program / regulatory requirements and the clients, which will include some evenings and weekends.

The role is located at our Monticello office and operates on a Monday through Friday schedule from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:
(Not the Individuals Qualifications)

• NYS Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or Certified Peer Worker preferred; or Candidates with relevant lived experience who do not possess a provisional or full certification may qualify as long as they commit to pursuing the appropriate peer credential or certification, and obtain minimal provisional certification in the time frame required by the relevant peer certification/credentialing body.
• High school diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s in human services is a bonus, but not required)
• Two years of peer coaching, advocacy, or related experience
• Past or current participant of behavioral health, substance services or homeless services preferred.
• Knowledge of treatment, rehabilitation, and community support programs as they relate to recipient/residents, families, and staff.
• Must possess the ability to understand, support and operate from a strengths-based approach, display professionalism in all settings, and recognize the importance and benefits of relationship building and collaborating with other service providers.
• Must possess the ability to solve complex problems using creative solutions and act consistently in a manner that demonstrates dignity and respect for participants. Must have respect for and a high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crises and the ability to use critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery.
• Must have and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred (ASL is a plus)

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a role model and provides advocacy and support services to individuals enrolled in the OMH Housing First program.
• Assists individuals in identifying, developing, and practicing personalized coping and crisis management skills to deal with their psychiatric symptoms.
• Interacts with individuals as a peer and shares common experiences; and assists individuals in identifying areas in which they need support.
• Organizes and facilitates self-help groups and activities; teaches self-help techniques and group process skills; and facilitates the establishment of peer, natural, and social support networks.
• Helps individuals carry out tasks defined in their treatment plans, and actively participate in their treatment planning process.
• Instructs and assists individuals in identifying or clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals, and in developing daily living, educational, social, vocational, and other skills for empowerment and successful community living.
• Assists individuals in understanding and obtaining access to available community resources and benefits; provides information; and links individuals to essential supports, such as legal, housing, education, medical, and financial services.
• Advocates for the needs of individuals; and provides education and training on their perspectives to other mental health and human service providers.
• Builds trust through consistency, nonjudgmental support, and authentic presence in the field.
• Encourages individuals to define their goals, identifies strengths, and takes steps toward self-determined wellness.
• Helps individuals navigate systems and overcome obstacles that prevent access to behavioral health and social services.
• Uses evidence-based practices in service delivery such as Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Fosters relationships with community providers to ensure that recipients are connected with appropriate services as they transition back into the community.
• Assists with appointment navigation including accompaniment to appointments, travel training, reengagement in community care, and addressing barriers to care.
• Maintains current, timely (within 72 hours) and accurate documentation of encounters with and services provided to clients in Electronic Health Record including but not limited to weekly progress notes and contacts with community-based providers.
• Attends and participates in team meetings and supervisory sessions.
• Attends in-service and/or training sessions, as well as any other related activities as required.

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience, personal or professional, that helps you relate to individuals facing behavioral health, substance use, or housing challenges? If so, please explain.
• Are you able to travel throughout Sullivan and Ulster Counties regularly as part of this position (using your personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement)?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• New York State driver's license (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20