CTI Peer Specialist

ABOUT JFS

For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

OUR VALUES

Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time” 

Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful

Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.

SUMMARY

The Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Peer Specialist is responsible for providing support, mentorship, and guidance to individuals during the critical transition period as they move from institutional care (e.g., hospitals, shelters, correction facilities) to community-based settings. Peer Specialists are individuals who have personally navigated similar challenges, such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, homelessness, or incarceration. The Peer Specialist uses their lived experience to build trust and provide emotional support, helping clients navigate challenges, access resources, and maintain stability as they reintegrate into the community. Their personal experiences enable them to offer authentic support, guidance, and hope to clients, helping them engage with services and stay connected during critical transitions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services.

• At capacity, will maintain an active weighted caseload of 15 adults experiencing periods of critical transitions.
• Will function as a member of a larger multidisciplinary team providing education, support and resources to both team members and client’s receptive to services.
• Use lived experience to provide empathy, understanding, and nonjudgmental support to clients during their transition.
• Offer encouragement, practical advice, and hope to help clients believe in their ability to achieve long-term success and recovery.
• Utilize personal experience, coping strategies, and resources that were helpful during your own recovery or transition for specific purpose of helping a client move forward in their treatment.
• Foster a positive, supportive relationship with clients, encouraging self-advocacy and empowerment.
• Help clients identify and access community-based resources, such as housing, healthcare, mental health services, employment opportunities, and social services.
• Assist clients in navigating complex service systems, including making appointments, filling out applications, and connecting with support networks.
• Advocate for clients in accessing the services they need, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by barriers or institutional systems.
• Build rapport with clients to help them feel safe, supported, and motivated to engage in services during their critical transition period.
• Provide ongoing support through regular check-ins, visits, or phone calls, helping clients remain engaged in the process of reintegration.
• Encourage clients to attend appointments and participate in community activities that support their recovery and reintegration goals.
• Offer support during crises by using lived experience to help clients de-escalate, manage stress, and develop coping strategies.
• Provide emotional support during moments of fear, anxiety, or uncertainty, helping clients develop the resilience needed to navigate challenges.
• Collaborate with the CTI team to provide appropriate interventions when clients face immediate crises related to mental health, housing, or substance use.
• Educate clients about their rights, available services, and the importance of self-care, mental health, and overall wellness.
• Use personal experiences to help clients understand the importance of recovery, positive social connections, and self-determination.
• Empower clients to take an active role in their care plans, treatment decisions, and community integration.
• Work closely with case managers, counselors, social workers, and other team members to ensure that clients receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
• Attend CTI team meetings to share insights, progress, and challenges related to clients’ engagement and well-being.
• Provide feedback to the team about clients’ needs and potential adjustments to care plans based on personal experience.
• Accurately document all interactions with clients and all efforts made towards client engagement. Submit all progress notes within 48 hours of the client encounter.  
• Effectively utilize electronic systems including electronic documentation and reporting systems. 
• Provide education to other members of the Care Coordination Division and other JFS departments on Critical Time Intervention services.
• Attend agency and department in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human service field (psychology, social work, human services etc.).  Master’s degree in the field also considered
• Lived experience in overcoming challenges such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, homelessness, or incarceration.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in peer support or a related field (volunteer experience may also be considered).
• Peer support training certification preferred. Willingness to be certified as a New York State Peer Specialist and become fully certified within the first year of hire. 
• Experience working with individuals in transition (e.g., moving from institutions to community living) is highly desirable. 
• Experience with the CTI model or similar time-limited interventions is a plus. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport based on shared experience.
• Ability to offer emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of local community resources and services, including healthcare, housing, employment, and social services
• Strong active listening and motivational interviewing skills to engage clients in their recovery and reintegration process
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment and navigate complex service systems
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, sharing insights and collaborating with other team members
• Ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment
• Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems
• Bilingual skills desirable. English speaking and writing fluency required. 

Competencies:

• Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.
• Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences and overcome resistance; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive ways
• Adaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities
• Client Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity)      
• Initiative & Adaptability - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, personal willingness and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.

Expectation Based on Agency Values:

• Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Service’s Mission & Vision.
• Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. (Anava)
• Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change. (Chevrutah)
• Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable and responsive to others to build a foundation of trust. (Eimun) 
• Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. (B’Tselem Elohim)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Will work in the office and in the community; able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.
• Flexible hours including days and some evenings and/or weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment.
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents.  
• Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff, clients, and others by phone and in person.
• Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary of $28 to $31 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualification.
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%.
• 13 observed holidays annually.
• Early close on Fridays.

Salary : $28 - $31