Peer Counselor - Lvl II - Temporary

NYC Health + Hospitals; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Health + Hospitals is looking for a Peer Counselor to provide direct services to health consumers across various settings. The ideal candidate will need certifications such as Peer Specialist and have at least one year of experience in peer counseling or related fields. Responsibilities include assisting with daily activities, leading support groups, and advocating for consumers. This role emphasizes the importance of empathy and strong communication skills in facilitating recovery.

Qualifications

• Certification as Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or equivalent required.
• One year full-time experience working with consumers of mental health services.
• Satisfactory completion of a formalized Peer Advocate training program.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct peer counseling services to health consumers.
• Assist consumers with daily living activities.
• Lead peer support groups and facilitate coping strategies.

Skills

Peer Counseling

Communication Skills

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Provider Careers at NYC Health + Hospitals

Kings County Hospital Center has a rich legacy for its pioneering role in medicine. Today, with over 625 beds, our hospital remains on the cutting edge of technology and provides the most modern procedures with state‑of‑the‑art equipment. Built in 1831 as a one‑room infirmary for publicly supported care of the sick, Kings County Hospital Center continues to be a leading healthcare facility whose mission is to provide care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital provides a wide range of health services, and specialties are offered in all fields of modern medicine. More than 200 clinics provide a wide array of ambulatory care services.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality healthcare 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

Responsibilities

For Assignments in Comprehensive Emergency Psychiatric Programs (CPEPs):

1. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment’s duration, as a
   1. Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Peer Specialist‑Provisional (NYCPS‑P) issued by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB);
   2. Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Peer Advocate‑Provisional (CRPA‑P) issued by the New York Certification Board (ASAP‑NYCB);
   3. 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.
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);
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:

1. 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);
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 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;
2. A high school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Assignment Level II – In addition to meeting the qualification requirements of Peer Counselor Level I, assignment to Level II requires:

1. One (1) additional year of experience, as described in Assignment Level I above.

Duties & Responsibilities

Purpose of Position:

Under supervision, peer counselors provide direct services to health consumers in emergency, inpatient, outpatient, home and specialized settings. They work in close collaboration with staff, consumers and other caregivers in planning and implementing treatment plans. They empower peers to advocate for themselves, resolve issues or problems and plan for their futures by serving as a role model.

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.

In addition to performing the duties of Assignment Level I at a more difficult and responsible level, performs the following tasks:

1. Acts as preceptor to Peer Counselors in Assignment Level I.
2. Provides education and training on recipient issues to mental health and other human services providers.
3. Advocates for the needs of people with psychiatric disabilities within the mental health system and within service delivery systems.
4. Participates in utilization review and quality improvement activities.

15 minutes walk from nearest station to the hospital.

ABOUT NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation, annually serving more than a million New Yorkers in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. Our mission is to care for all, without exception.