Peer Specialist

The Jewish Board; New York, City of Rochester (NY, NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. This role involves engaging participants in peer-based services, providing emotional support, and fostering collaborative relationships within the community. You'll have the opportunity to advocate for participants, assist them in overcoming barriers, and help them achieve their personal goals. Join a compassionate team that values diversity and offers a supportive work environment, complete with generous benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Affordable medical/dental/vision plans

Tuition assistance

Free continuing education opportunities

403(b) retirement benefits

Flexible spending accounts

24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Life and disability insurance

Qualifications

• Ability to effectively use personal story to promote growth.
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Engage participants in behavioral health treatment and support.
• Develop person-centered treatment plans to achieve goals.

Skills

Peer Support

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Crisis Intervention

Education

NYS Certification as a Peer Specialist

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Microsoft Office

Job description

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Make a bigger difference

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Peer Specialist engages participants in peer-based services to identify and overcome barriers to engagement in treatment and community integration. They utilize a peer relationship to foster connection, trust, understanding, and validation.

Compensation:

All Staten Island programs are allotted a $4,420 commuter differential, applicable to anyone who currently works or is hired to work on Staten Island but does not reside there, in addition to the base salary or hourly wage.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Conduct individual meetings with participants to address issues related to substance use, mental health symptoms, medication management, re-engagement with treatment providers, family, and social relationships; assist in daily living activities, independent living, or supported housing.
2. Provide emotional and practical support to participants engaging in behavioral health treatment.
3. Foster and maintain cooperative relationships with community providers and network members.
4. Establish collaborative working relationships with referring treatment teams and partners; assist participants in navigating systems of care.
5. Advocate for program participants to achieve personal goals and overcome barriers such as stigma, fear, and communication disparities.
6. Provide on-call crisis intervention services as needed.
7. Attend team meetings and supervisory sessions.
8. Develop and monitor short-term, person-centered treatment plans.
9. Record participant progress and adjust plans accordingly.
10. Ensure timely and accurate documentation within electronic health records.
11. Participate in in-service training and staff development activities.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Reliability and discretion
• Communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Initiative
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• NYS certification as a Peer Specialist or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

EXPERIENCE AND LANGUAGE PREFERENCES:

• Ability to use personal story and role model recovery to promote growth and empowerment.
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and seek help when needed.
• Ability to work respectfully and culturally affirmingly with participants, families, and providers.
• Knowledge of treatment, rehabilitation, and community support programs.
• Must be able to travel throughout NYC using public transportation.

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Experience with electronic health records and Microsoft Office is a plus.

VISUAL AND MANUAL DEXTERITY:

• Ability to read documents and perform data entry into various computer programs.
• Ability to travel independently using public transportation.
• Ability to input data into electronic health records.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Work environment similar to office, education, rehabilitation, or health settings.
• Travel within NYC carrying equipment up to 10 pounds.
• Routine sitting (60%), standing (20%), and travel (20%).

BENEFITS:

• Paid time off, holidays, and sick days.
• High-quality medical/dental/vision plans.
• Tuition assistance and loan forgiveness.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Retirement plans including 403(b) and pension.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life and disability insurance.

WHO WE ARE:

The Jewish Board provides mental health and social services to over 45,000 New Yorkers annually, serving all age groups with respect and diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Job family: Direct Care [200s], Job function: Coordinators, Pay type: Hourly.