Senior Peer Bridger - Adult Home Initiative

Job Description

Mission Statement:

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is committed to providing peer recovery, person-centered, trauma informed, and compassionate services to those with mental health lived experience.

Vision:

Our vision is to drive a cultural transformation within the mental health community by advocating for the underserved, educating for change, and inspiring wellness. We approach our role with cultural humility and mindfulness of oppressive systems.

Program Summary

The Adult Homes Initiative is designed to provide peer support services to people transitioning from adult homes into the community and in community support for those people that have already transitioned back into independent in-community living through individual and group peer support engagements and the execution and development of service plans. Our peer staff will use their lived experience to support and bridge individuals from adult home settings into their desired communities throughout Brooklyn, Bronx and Staten Island.

Our Core Values:

• We value a mentoring philosophy delivered from staff with peer lived experiences.
• We value the recovery journey of every individual with a mental health diagnosis.
• We value the personal and professional experiences of our staff and board members.
• We value community action to change societal views to break the stigma of mental health through advocacy within all systems.
• We value everyone's desire to have opportunities to obtain their visions of wellness.
• We value education and training to enhance an individual's opportunities for growth in one's personal journey to self-discovery.
  
  

Position Summary

As a Senior Peer Bridger, you will oversee and support a team of Certified Peer Bridgers who provide peer support services to individuals facing mental health challenges. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the effective delivery of peer support programs and the professional development of your team members. You will provide guidance, supervision, and coordination to ensure the highest quality of care and adherence to organizational standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervision and Guidance: Provide direct supervision, support, and guidance to a team of Certified Peer Bridgers. Conduct regular individual supervision sessions to discuss caseloads, review progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges or concerns.
• Program Development: Collaborate with program leadership to develop and implement peer support programs that align with the needs and goals of the target population. Contribute to the design of program frameworks executions, weigh in on program procedures.
• Team Coordination: Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Certified Peer Bridger team, ensuring appropriate workload distribution, caseload management, and adherence to program timelines. Coordinate with program leadership to identify and support maintaining a positive team culture that promotes collaboration, learning, and professional growth.
• Training and Development: Identify training needs and coordinate with program leadership to provide or facilitate relevant training opportunities for Certified Peer Bridgers. Stay updated on best practices in peer support, recovery-oriented approaches, and mental health interventions to enhance the skills and knowledge of your team through regular training and supervision with program leadership.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor the quality and effectiveness of peer support services being provided by the Certified Peer Bridgers. Conduct regular file reviews, case consultations, and audits to ensure compliance with program guidelines, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Program Evaluation and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report program data and outcomes to program leadership to contribute to informing program improvements and demonstrate the effective impacts of peer support services. Collaborate with the program leadership to help improve evaluation tools and methods.
• Collaboration and Networking: Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., Regional Managers, Program Director, and Deputy Director of Programming) and external partners (e.g., community organizations, OMH, Housing providers, care management, in-reach teams, club houses, PROS programs) to enhance service coordination and referrals for program participants.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Ensure accurate and timely documentation of participant interactions, progress notes, and program-related documentation in compliance with organizational policies and confidentiality guidelines (HIPPA).
• Crisis Management: Provide support and guidance to Certified Peer Bridgers in handling crisis situations, including trauma informed risk assessment, managing safety concerns, and facilitating appropriate referrals to emergency services when necessary.
• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about current research, best practices, and emerging trends in peer support, mental health recovery, and related fields. Participate in professional development activities to enhance your knowledge and skills as a Certified Senior Peer Bridger.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)

• High School Diploma, GED (General Equivalency Diploma) required, College degree in related field a plus.
• At least two years’ experience working as a Senior Peer Bridger, demonstrated experience working as a Certified Peer Bridger or in a similar peer support role. Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity is a must.
• New York State Certified Peer Specialists certification (Active) - or must be Re-certified within 5 months of hiring.
• Strong understanding of mental health challenges, recovery-oriented approaches, and the principles of peer support. Familiarity with evidence-based interventions and current trends in trauma informed mental health care and substance abuse systems.
• Proven ability to provide effective supervision, coaching, and mentorship to a team of professionals. Strong leadership and team-building skills to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including program participants, staff members, and external partners.
• Demonstrate knowledge of advocacy, self-help, and empowerment programs for recipients of mental health and substance abuse services
• Ability to be a role model and convey a message of hope and wellness for people diagnosed with mental illness and working peer staff.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure the smooth operation of programs and services.
• Understanding of professional boundaries, ethical guidelines, and confidentiality requirements when working with individuals facing mental health challenges.
• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including mental health professionals, social workers, and community organizations.
• Ability to complete competent documentation requirements regarding work activities.
• Must have lived experience with the public mental health system
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in using computer applications and software for documentation, data management, and communication purposes. – knowledge of Foothold Technology’s AWARDS system is a plus
  
  

We Are a State Mandated Organization, COVID-19 Vaccinations are Required. Selected candidates must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have received a booster shot. Baltic Street Wellness Solutions will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition or religious exemption that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, an exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.