Peer Specialist | VNS Health - Brooklyn NY

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

Job summary

An established industry player in health care seeks a dedicated Peer Specialist to provide vital psychosocial services to individuals facing mental health challenges. In this impactful role, you will engage with clients, helping them navigate their recovery journey while fostering trust and support. The position involves outreach, education, and collaboration with community resources to ensure clients receive the care they need. Join a compassionate team committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need, and be part of an organization that has been innovating in health care for over 125 years. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in mental health or human services required.
• Bilingual skills may be required based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to enroll clients in program services.
• Educate clients about program services and self-help techniques.
• Document client interactions in EMR according to policies.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Computer fluency

Bilingual skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certified Peer Specialist certification

Job description

Job Details

Social Services

Peer Specialist | VNS Health - Brooklyn, NY

Posted: 7/24/2023

Job ID#: 165

Job Category: Social Services

Job Description

Title: Peer Specialist | VNS Health - Brooklyn NY

Job Requisition Number: R008224

Program: Behavioral Health

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Overview:

Provides direct psychosocial services to mentally ill individuals in the community who are experiencing, or are at risk of, an acute psychological crisis or are in need of mental health treatment. Provides assessment, linkage, coordinates with, referral to and follow-up with appropriate ongoing service providers. Provides information and consultation to other community agencies and other disciplines, including other services of VNS Health. Assists in the overall administrative and clinical functioning of the program. Works under general direction.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into program services. Works collaboratively with team members.
• Builds relationships and trust with clients/consumers/members and their family/caregiver and assists with their interactions with professionals on the team.
• Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate, and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed.
• Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals.
• Teaches symptom management and coping skills. Supports and encourages clients/consumers/members to take a proactive role in their recovery process.
• Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support, and encouragement.
• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients/consumers/members' needs as identified in the assessment process. Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supports.
• Documents contacts with clients/consumers/members in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participates in case conferences, staff meetings and training programs.
• Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate.
• Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned.
• FOR Recovery Coordination Agency (RCA):
• Participates in initial and ongoing training as necessary to maintain current knowledge of Health Home, HARP HCBS and DOH processes.
• Maintains knowledge of the service providers in the HCBS, MCO and health home network if applicable.
• For Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT), and Parachute Programs:
• Develops a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients/consumers/members. Serves as a bridge between team members and participants.
• Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating in treatment goals for clients/consumers/members.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license may be required, as determined by operational/regional needs.

Education: A High School Diploma or the equivalent required. Certified Peer Specialist certification may be required.

Experience: Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, health care or human services setting required. Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substance using population preferred. Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work independently required. Computer fluency preferred. Bilingual skills as determined by operational needs may be required.

Compensation: $20.37 - $25.46 Hourly

About Us:

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 125 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us—we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24/7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 'neighbors' who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.