Peer Support Specialist

Full-Time

Oakdale, NY

Salary: $19 - $20.98/hr

Find more in your career at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), currently serving over 4,000 people with ID/DD, mental illness & brain injury. We’re seeking dedicated people like you to join us!

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for supporting and mentoring the individuals in OMH Supportive Housing, Mobile Residential Support Team (MRST) and the OMH Crisis Programs to develop personal and meaningful independent living goals that will help fully integrate them into their local communities. Peer Support Specialists support peers’ transition from one setting to another (“bridging”). Peer Support Specialists must be able to utilize experiential knowledge of mental health and mental health services to serve as a role model, support and coach others in order to enhance self-confidence, self-responsibility, and personal growth as well as manage crisis and address areas of risk in order to maintain housing stability and community tenure.

In this role you will:

• Treat each individual with dignity and respect in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Report possible violations of individual's rights promptly, and complete and submit incident reports in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Ensure that the individual’s needs are met and intercede on their behalf as necessary.
• Participate in any investigation into incidents occurring within the program as requested and maintain confidentiality in regard to such investigations.
• Provide supportive services which include, but are not limited to, building awareness of and accessing desired/needed services, teaching independent living skills, and building knowledge base and skills associated with tenant responsibilities and limit/prevent risk of housing instability.
• Visit individuals on a minimum of a monthly basis or more often as needed. For participants in the OMH Crisis Programs, provide consistent support during scheduled shifts.
• Assist the individual in the development of goals that are personally relevant and culturally sensitive to the individual’s beliefs and background, leading to increased independent living and stable community involvement.
• Utilize lived experience to provide support to individuals in the programs.
• Participate in the screening and intake process and facilitate Needs Assessments and/or Rehabilitation Readiness assessments with all new individuals.
• Serve as support and advocate in the admission and discharge process of individuals in the program.

We’ll provide you with:

• Outstanding Benefits
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Medical | Dental | Vision | Life Insurance
• Retirement 401K
• Wellness benefits with gym reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• A positive, supportive environment
• Opportunities for advancement & more!

We are excited to now offer EARNED WAGE ACCESS! Work today, get paid tomorrow!

What you’ll need:

• NYS Peer Specialist Certification
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and meets the criteria to be an agency driver
• Organizational and communication skills which would enable effective interaction with fellow team members, individuals/clients/families and the community
• Critical thinking and sound judgment skills
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with behavioral health symptoms

Peer Support Specialist, for immediate consideration, email a resume to: careers@familyres.org

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), is a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating an inclusive environment that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We believe that a diverse workforce not only reflects the communities we serve but also drives our collective success. We actively encourage candidates of all genders, ages, races, sexual orientations, religions, nationalities, and backgrounds to apply for positions at our company. Your unique talents and experiences will play a crucial role in our mission to support people of all abilities to reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. Join us in creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $20.98 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person