Peer Advocate Bridger; 4104-208-N

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Peer Advocate to join their team. This role focuses on supporting individuals with serious mental illness, utilizing personal experience to foster engagement and promote self-reliance. The Peer Advocate will facilitate groups, provide mentorship, and assist clients in enhancing their skills for independent living. With a commitment to community well-being, this position plays a crucial role in reducing psychiatric hospitalizations and improving the quality of life for members. Join a compassionate team that values personal experience and offers a supportive environment for professional growth.

Benefits

Generous time off

Medical

Vision

Retirement Savings with Agency Match

Transit benefits

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Public Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer

Training Series

Qualifications

• Must be a New York Certified Peer Specialist or in training.
• Proven ability to work with people with behavioral disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in engagement and skill development.
• Facilitate groups and conduct community outreach.
• Provide mentorship and assist with job applications.

Skills

Mentorship

Computer Skills

Advocacy

Community Engagement

Education

High School Diploma or GED

New York Certified Peer Specialist

Job description

For over 117 years, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens has been providing quality social services to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, and currently offers 160-plus programs and services for children, youth, adults, seniors, and those struggling with mental illness.

The Open Door Psychosocial Club is our rehabilitation center that provides services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The program is open to adults 18 and over. The overall goals of the program are to facilitate healthy socialization within the community, develop basic work skills, improve members’ ability to live and function independently, and reduce psychiatric hospitalizations. These goals are addressed on both an individual and group basis, with group being the primary modality. Group topics include medication management, time and financial management, relapse prevention, smoking cessation, and wellness management.

STATEMENT OF THE JOB

The Peer Advocate is under the supervision of the Program Manager II. He/she uses their life experience to assist members with engagement in the program, provides relevant education and support to promote and enhance dignity, self-respect, and self-reliance in the community, and serves as a mentor and role model for all members of the program.

1. Utilize their experience and knowledge to support consumers/clients in need.
2. Provide help to clients to enhance their computer skills, and assist with resume, cover letter writing, online job applications, and online job searches.
3. Conduct intakes and provide screenings for substance and tobacco abuse, complete WRAP plans, and if necessary, make referrals for further assessment.
4. Facilitate groups during program hours and advocate for the members.
5. Reach out to community providers to assist with recruiting and conduct presentations for the program.
6. Provide mentorship to consumers/clients.
7. Provide benefit counseling and escort services to appointments.
8. Assist with trips to job fairs, interviews, and special events.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Must be a New York Certified Peer Specialist or in the process of completing training.
3. Current or former client/consumer of the psychosocial program.
4. History of mental illness and at least one year of symptom remission.
5. Proven ability to work with people with behavioral disabilities.
6. Ability to travel.

BENEFITS

We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including:

1. Generous time off (Vacation/Personal Days/Sick Days/Paid Holidays annually)
2. Medical
3. Vision
4. Retirement Savings with Agency Match
5. Transit
6. Flexible Spending Account
7. Life insurance
8. Public Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer
9. Training Series and other additional voluntary benefits.

For more information on our organization, please visit our website at: