Peer Support Specialist – West End Heights

Coordinated Care Services, Inc.; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeview Health Services, Inc. seeks a Peer Support Specialist in Ithaca, NY. The role supports residents in recovery, provides education and outreach, and helps people achieve meaningful life goals within a residential program.

The position requires a high school diploma and at least two years’ experience with special needs populations; CPRP is a plus and a NY driver license may be required for some programs. Evening and weekend coverage may apply.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; minimum 2 years’ experience with special needs consumers in recovery-based or vocational setting.
• Lived experience with mental health services required.
• CPRP credential is a plus; valid NY driver license may be required for some programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop peer recovery-based programs and groups with Program Manager.
• Participate in general functioning of the residential program with Rehabilitation Coordinator.
• Provide guidance, instruction, and support for residents based on evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care.
• Assist residents in clarifying goals for rehabilitation and recovery and monitor progress.

Skills

Mental health knowledge

Trauma-informed care

Group facilitation

Education

High School Diploma

2 years experience with special needs

Job description

Do you have the dedication and enthusiasm to support people in achieving their goals and advancing their lives?

Join our Team!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Title:

Peer Support Specialist

Job Requisition No.:

1789

Program:

West End Heights Ithaca, NY

Shift Schedule:

Monday – Friday 11:00am – 7:30pm

Salary:

Salary pay range is min. $16.50 to a max. $21.49 per hr. based on education & experience (evening & overnight hours may qualify for a shift differential)

Benefits:

• 3+ weeks of Personal Time Off (PTO), first year of employment
• Sick Time and Extended Illness Bank
• 9 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• 401(k) with Agency match
• Voluntary Medical/ Dental/ Vision
• Employer Funded Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Assistance

Agency Overview:

Lakeview Health Services is a premier partner throughout the Finger Lakes region, providing safe, affordable housing, support, and rehabilitative services to persons with mental illness as well as health care coordination services to individuals with chronic mental and physical health challenges. We are dedicated to helping individuals identify and achieve personally meaningful and measurable life goals, and to realize their full potential. Lakeview seeks to create an environment of learning and development that will lead to an engaged, motivated, and high performing team with a devotion and commitment to client service

Essential Job Functions Overview:

With the general supervision of the Program Manager, performs a wide range of restorative based services; provides vocational/educational training, skills training, and reports functions related to the day-to-day operations of the residential program. Peer Support Specialist also provides outreach services to help individuals link with the program. Individual should strive to create a healing environment that respects the perspectives and experiences of the individuals, families, staff and communities we serve by practicing safe, respectful communication as well as respecting individuals’ boundaries and differences.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work closely with the Program Manager and Rehabilitation Coordinator to develop peer recovery-based programs and groups.
• Work closely with the Residential Programs to learn and participate in the general functioning of the program.
• Provide guidance, instruction, and support for residents based on evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care.
• Assist residents in clarifying their goals for rehabilitation and recovery.
• Assist residents in monitoring progress of stated goals and provide services from individualized service plans.
• Individuals will work on a weekly basis with their program manager to make progress toward completion of their provisional certificate until completed.
• Coordinate development of a daily schedule based on a person’s individual needs and preferences.
• Share personal experience to support others’ recovery in an appropriate and respectful manner
• Serve as a role model for recipients and educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group process.
• Encourage and participate in social, recreational, educational and cultural activities
• Know and adhere to all OMH/other agency regulatory policies and procedures.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with special needs consumers in a recovery-based or vocational/rehabilitative setting. Lived experience with mental health services required. Completion of or significant progress toward the Peer Certification Program is required within one (1) year of hire date. Possession of the CPRP credential is a plus. A valid driver license or be eligible for the appropriate NY State driver license at time of application required for some programs (as driving is an essential function of this position).

Knowledge:

Demonstrated knowledge of mental health issues and support services; the special and incidental needs of persons affected by mental illness; psychology, personality, and group dynamics; the human services system; principles and practices of conflict and crisis management; the recovery based psychiatric model of service delivery. Has a basic understanding of the importance of working from a trauma sensitive perspective.

Skills and Abilities:

Familiarity with service area; experience working with the special need’s population; strong organization skills; ability to teach others and provide services in a group setting. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals, both verbally and in writing. To listen, understand, and appreciate the experience of staff and clients and to establish rapport and meaningful professional relationships.

Lakeview Health Services, Inc. complies with the legal requirement to take affirmative action and not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Further, Lakeview Health Services, Inc. will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against applicants or employees who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations.