Peer Specialist

VNS Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

VNS Health is seeking Peer Specialists/Advocates to engage with community members suffering from chronic mental illness. This role involves conducting outreach, building relationships with clients, and advocating for their recovery. Candidates should have a high school diploma and effective communication skills, with opportunities for professional growth within a leading nonprofit organization.

Benefits

Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days

Health insurance plan

Employer-matched retirement savings

Tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees

Referral bonus opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in mental health or human services preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to locate and enroll clients in programs.
• Advocate for recovery-based services and educate clients.
• Document in EMR according to program policies.

Skills

Effective communication

Relationship-building

Independence

Collaborative teamwork

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

VNS Health Peer Specialists/Advocates are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and can uniquely relate to those who benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists/Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists/Advocates directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community.

VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have opportunities to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional. We welcome applications even if you don’t meet all criteria.

What We Provide

• Referral bonus opportunities
• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days, and 9 company holidays
• Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability
• Employer-matched retirement savings funds
• Personal and financial wellness programs
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care, and a commuter transit program
• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities
• Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals

What You Will Do

• Conduct phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs and services
• Build relationships and trust with clients and their families/caregivers, assisting with interactions with professionals on the team
• Work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions
• Apply shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with clients
• Educate clients about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques; serve as a role model, advocate, and mentor; escort clients to appointments as needed
• Advocate for effective recovery-based services; assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals
• Teach and model symptom management and coping skills for resilience; empower clients in their recovery process
• Review service plans with clients and their families; provide ongoing education, guidance, support, and encouragement
• Develop an inventory of resources to meet clients’ needs as identified in assessments and treatment processes
• Provide navigation services to connect clients with community-based services and supports
• Document in EMR according to program policies, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Assist clients with transition to alternative housing when appropriate
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, supervision, and training programs
• Develop mutual self-disclosure with clients; serve as a bridge between team members and participants
• Participate in treatment planning and discussions as part of the interdisciplinary team
• Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to clients’ homes or schools, and navigate emergency situations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, substance use treatment, healthcare, or human services setting preferred
• Experience working with severely mentally ill, trauma, or substance-using populations preferred
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills required
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
• Computer literacy (EHR, word processing, email, internet research, data entry) required
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Pay Range

USD $20.98 - USD $26.23 /Hr.

About Us

VNS Health is a leading nonprofit home and community-based health care organization with over 130 years of experience. We help people live, age, and heal in their own homes, connected to their family and community. More than 10,000 team members deliver compassionate, expert care and 24/7 resources to over 43,000 neighbors daily. We utilize data analytics to innovate in health care, offering a full range of services and health plans to meet diverse community needs in New York and beyond.