Peer Counselor - Lvl I

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals to join their team as Peer Specialists. In this rewarding role, you will assist consumers in navigating their daily lives, providing essential support and guidance. Your expertise will help develop coping strategies and facilitate peer support networks, making a significant impact on the community's mental health landscape. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity to work closely with individuals in need, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary for their recovery. Join a mission-driven organization that values integrity and compassion in every interaction.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Retirement Savings Plans

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Paid Holidays

College Tuition Discounts

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Certification as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate is required.
• 1 year of experience in peer counseling or related human services.

Responsibilities

• Assist consumers with daily living activities and peer counseling.
• Lead support groups and develop coping strategies for relapse.

Skills

Peer Counseling

Coping Strategies Development

Community Liaison

Documentation in EHR

Education

High School Diploma

Peer Specialist Certification

Peer Advocate Training

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Queens Hospital Center is making good on its promise to the people of southeastern and central Queens to maximize both patient convenience and positive clinical outcomes. Residents of Queens can count on the delivery of quality medical care right in their own borough. In 2002 the hospital opened a state-of-the-art, 261-bed facility that includes the Queens Cancer Center, the first comprehensive cancer treatment center in the borough.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Work Shifts

9:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M

Job Description

Examples of Typical Tasks:

1. Assists the consumer with activities of daily living (e.g., setting-up household, public transportation, budgeting,
shopping, socializing, parenting and other skills relevant to an individual’s rehabilitation goals). May make
home visits.

2. Leads or co-leads groups including, but not limited to, dual diagnoses issues, relapse and recovery and
socialization.

3. Assists the consumer in identifying their own individual warning signs of relapse and identifying and developing
individual coping strategies.

4. Provides supportive peer counseling with respect to mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies,
breast-feeding education and other self-help opportunities.

5. Participates in an interdisciplinary treatment and human services team in determining and implementing a
comprehensive plan of care.

6. Clarifies issues for the consumer and assists with the process of referral for treatment, rehabilitation, housing
and supportive services. Follows-up to determine whether services were provided and used.

7. Assists the consumer in completing applications and paper work for public entitlements and may accompany
consumer on visits to agency offices and treatment programs.

8. Acts as a liaison with community and governmental agencies.

9. Facilitates the establishment of peer support networks, natural and social support systems.

10. Maintains current, complete and appropriate documentation in the consumer record, prepares required forms,
and may be required to use computer systems in carrying out these functions. Documents in Electronic Health
Record (EHR) and writes progress notes for review.

Minimum Qualifications

For Assignments in Comprehensive Emergency Psychiatric Programs (CPEPs):

1. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment’s duration, as a
a. Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Peer Specialist-Provisional (NYCPS-P) issued by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB); or
b. Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional (CRPA-P) issued by the New York Certification Board (ASAP-NYCB); or
c. Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C), Credentialed Family Peer Advocate Provisional (FPA-P), Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate (YPA-C), or Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate Provisional (YPA-P) issued by Families Together in New York State; and

2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of CPEP services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.

For Substance Use Assignments:

1. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment’s duration, as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional (CRPA-P) issued by the New York Certification Board (ASAP-NYCB); and

2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of substance use disorder services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.
For All Other Mental Health Assignments:

3. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment’s duration, as a Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Peer Specialist-Provisional (NYCPS-P) issued by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB); and

4. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of mental health services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.

For All Other Assignments (Including Breastfeeding Education Assignments):

1. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of peer services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services; and
2. A High school diploma or its educational equivalent.

How To Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities