Peer Specialist-HC531502

ICL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Peer Specialist to support individuals in a community-based housing program. This role involves educating clients on self-help techniques, teaching coping strategies, and providing crisis intervention. You will work closely with clients to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals while fostering their independence. The ideal candidate will have experience in peer advocacy and a strong commitment to promoting mental health and community integration. Join a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Qualifications

• Preferred internship or training in peer advocacy.
• Experience with mental health or homeless populations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Counsel individuals on health and mental health care needs.
• Educate about self-help techniques for community integration.
• Advocate for individuals with service providers.

Skills

Peer Advocacy

Crisis Intervention

Communication Skills

Empathy

Documentation Skills

Education

Internship in Peer Advocacy

Experience in Mental Health Services

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a supported housing program for individuals living in the community in permanent scattered-site housing. Under the general supervision of the Program Director, the Peer Specialist serves as a role model, educates individuals about self-help techniques, teaches effective coping strategies based on personal experience, teaches symptom management skills, clarifies rehabilitation and recovery goals, and helps develop community support systems and networks. The Peer Specialist assists individuals in developing and maintaining viable living, working, and social situations by helping them obtain needed services such as medical, social, psychosocial, educational, financial, and vocational support. The role also involves providing crisis intervention services. Most duties are performed independently under the supervision of the Program Director, with the goal of supporting individuals to participate fully in community life and achieve personal growth and independence.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities unless it causes undue hardship to the agency.

1. Counsel individuals regarding health and mental health care needs, helping them utilize internal capabilities and environmental resources to maintain independence.
2. Educate recipients about self-help techniques for social and community integration.
3. Teach effective coping strategies based on personal and lived experiences.
4. Teach symptom and medication management.
5. Assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals.
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records for each individual.
7. Assist in obtaining and developing resource information across all aspects of care; communicate this information clearly and understandably.
8. Support individuals in meeting service plan goals that are person-centered and adopt a Whole Health approach.
9. Facilitate individualized services to help individuals thrive in the community.
10. Refer individuals to internal services, community resources, and other organizations. Accompany them to medical visits, treatment facilities, social agencies, government offices, etc.
11. Advocate for individuals with outside service providers and within the organization.
12. Assist individuals in finding vocational or training opportunities, collaborating with team members to address their needs.
13. Provide health and mental health support, promote social and community integration.
14. Adhere to attendance and timekeeping policies, reporting reliably and regularly.
15. Participate in clinical meetings, staff meetings, supervision, and training activities.
16. Follow infection control policies.
17. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work with residents, families, and staff respectfully, considering cultural differences.
• Serve as a positive role model.
• Complete written forms and reports accurately and promptly.
• Communicate effectively with staff, residents, families, and the public.
• Prepare accurate documentation, reports, and other written materials.
• Work effectively with others, securing cooperation.
• Work independently while adhering to safety and accountability standards.
• Understand how disabilities can affect functioning and ways to cope or overcome these effects.
• Read and write at least at a 12th-grade level; follow written and oral instructions.
• Transport residents within New York City (may require a valid driver’s license).
• Be empathetic and supportive, demonstrating appropriate behavior and skills.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of an internship or comparable training in peer advocacy is preferred; experience in advocacy for mental health and/or homeless populations is advantageous.
• Experience as a recipient of mental health, substance use, or homeless services is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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