Peer Specialist - BRG009 - Mon-Fri 9:30AM-5:30PM

Position Summary:  The Peer Specialist will provide direct mental health services to recipients participating in rehabilitation and recovery services. The Peer Specialist will perform a range of tasks which are designed to assist recipients in regaining personal control over their lives and over their own recovery processes. These tasks focus on facilitating the development of self-help skills, support systems, coping strategies, and increased hope and self-esteem that are central to recovery from a psychiatric disability. Peer Specialists model competence and the possibility of recovery. This position may have supervised / unsupervised contact and or conversational interaction with the Individuals while working with them on the grounds of Kingsboro Hospital or out in the Community.

Essential Accountabilities:

• Teach skills to individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of various psychiatric disabilities.
• Advocate for recipients and negotiate with service providers.
• Assist recipients with travel training.
• Verbally engage and empathize with recipients based on common experiences.
• Assist recipients in identifying community supports and facilitating linkages.
• Assist recipients in planning and coordination of recreational/social activities. At times this may require escorting clients to these activities.
• Participate in schedules/activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
• Represent the agency at meetings, trainings not otherwise specified.
• Ability to work flexible schedule as work schedule and locations are subject to change.
• Responsible for reporting and documentation of all incidents, utilizing the chain of command, within 24 hours.
• Communicate information with all staff and supervisors verbally and in writing for the purpose of giving instruction, providing feedback and adjusting work practices.
• Responsible to document all consumer interaction in accordance with program standards.
• Participate in the development of treatment goals.
• Participate in bi-weekly individual supervision to address concerns/issues and improve skill development.
• Conduct field-based visits.
• Be responsible for reporting/coordinating daily office and field schedule to immediate supervisor as well as documenting weekly schedule.       
• Attend periodic trainings to enhance skill level and learn about wellness self-management and best practice skills.
• Be responsible for agency cell phone, laptop, and associated items.
• Follow program guidelines as outlined in the personnel manual.
• Report to the Program Coordinator any issues and/or concerns on a regularize needed basis while working in the field.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the program coordinator or team leader.

High school diploma or equivalency diploma required and be an OMH-certified Peer Specialist/ OASAS-certified Peer Advocate. Two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or recipient run organizations or similar experiences or programs.

Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with recipients of mental health services. Life experience with mental health or substance abuse history.