Peer - Transitional Safety Unit (TSU)

UConnectCare Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a rapidly expanding nonprofit organization located in Western NY that has been offering help to those impacted by substance use disorder through prevention, treatment, and recovery services for over 50 years. UConnectCare has earned a local and regional reputation for excellence and was recognized as a Best Company to Work for in New York. As the opioid epidemic plagues our communities, our work is more relevant and critically needed than ever before. We are looking for amazing individuals who want to make a difference in the communities we serve.

PEER - TRANSITIONAL SAFETY UNIT

The Professional Peer Transitional Safety Unit is dedicated to providing support and guidance to participants transitioning through various life challenges, such as mental health crises, substance use issues, or reintegration after incarceration. The Professional Peer Specialists will participants in a supportive manner, assisting them in developing skills, setting achievable goals, and navigating community resources to improve their overall well-being.

Professional Peer Advocates in the Transitional Safety Units can engage and support participants, address health and social problems. Peer support is evidenced based. This role involves utilizing lived experience and training to foster a safe environment, promoting recovery and resilience among participants. This role also helps participants, understand their rights and options, and connect them with available resources and services. It is essential in fostering a supportive environment for participants to have the guidance and resources needed to succeed.

Assist in the initial contact with participants who are experiencing housing challenges, homelessness, residential treatment and incarceration that in need assistances.

Serve as a role model, sharing personal recovery stories to inspire hope.

Support engagement in evidence-based treatment, harm reduction services, and recovery supports.

Support participants’ personal recovery: offer nonclinical services that engage, educate, and support court participants in achieving self-defined recovery.

Provide mentorship and emotional support to participants facing housing challenges.

Help participants identify and access housing resources, programs, and services.

Advocate for participants’ rights and needs in housing matters, ensuring they understand their options.

Engage with the neighborhood/community resources to promote transitional safety plan, resources and services.

Facilitate workshops to educate participants on housing-related topics, such as tenant rights and responsibilities.

Provide guidance and support during crises or urgent situations related to housing.

Document participant interactions and progress appropriately while maintaining confidentiality.

Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, services, and programs available to participants and build ongoing relationships with these organizations to advocate for members.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Excellent active listening and empathy skills, strong problem-solving abilities and resilience, ability to work independently and as part of a team, cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity, familiarity with crisis intervention techniques, skillful in using technology for documentation and communication, knowledge of social service agencies to arrange comprehensive support for participants, addressing needs such as housing, food, clothing, and financial assistance, explain multiple pathways of obtaining housing, shelter and safe haven pathway for the participants

REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent, Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or Provisional (CRPA/P), lived experience with or substance use challenges, with a focus on recovery. (preferred lived experience with homelessness, incarceration, residential treatment), knowledge of community resources, services, and best practices in transitional support, Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards. Valid NYS driver’s license and method of transportation required. Must be free of active addiction and non program participant. Pre-employment background check/post offer drug screening required for external applicants. This is a grant funded position. CARF and NHSC accredited. EOE

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Assistant Director of Residential Services or his/her designee.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19