Peer Specialist (Buffalo)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting range:$17.33 - $18.75 per hour

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Peer Specialist operates within a team of professionals who deliver services to consumers of Behavioral Health Services. The Peer Specialist delivers peer support services with rehabilitation and recovery focus, with a primary goal of connecting individuals to community based recovery supports consistent with the treatment/recovery plan. People with personal experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance use treatment or of personal recovery are encouraged to apply. Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, professional language and behavior reflecting such values are required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist individual's mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment to participate in diverse, person-centered, self - directed services and activities that promote empowerment and robust recovery.

• Provide direct contact, outreach, mentoring, systems navigation, community oversight and crisis support as needed to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders diagnoses.

• Assist individuals with finding educational opportunities, employment, social activities and home health integration of services

• Work towards participant's recovery goals, individually and in groups in various locations/environments.

• Must be cognizant of all relevant employment, educational, housing, entitlement and social supports in the community and proactively facilitate connection to these services with participants as needed.

• Will be available to transport consumers to appointments and/or community resources when needed

• Engage individuals to inform about the changes happening to Medicaid.

• Works in collaboration with the other program staff and partners to identify agencies to conduct outreach

• Travels to numerous locations either to engage members or to support the recovery of individuals we work with; continues with individuals after discharge to identify and engage with a range of community-based supports;

• Completes detailed written record of activities;

• Attends trainings as required and assigned by supervisor

• Maintains personal wellness.

• Schedule and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and the clients we serve.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of community resources, including social clubs, and peer support activities.

• Ability to identify potential crisis situations and convey this information to a supervisor in a timely and appropriate manner.

• Must be a current or former recipient of mental health and/or substance use disorder services.

• Must possess the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with mental illness and substance use disorders, and maintain respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree in Human Services plus two years of advocacy experience in a human service agency or health care facility

OR

• HS diploma or equivalency and 4yrs., experience in a human service agency or health care facility

AND

• Must be a "peer" and have a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process. Must have personal "lived" experience as a former or current user of substance use treatment services or have personal substance use recovery experience and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed.
• OMH Certified Peer Specialist or OASAS Certified Peer Advocate or provisional certification require.

AND

• A valid NYS drivers' license
• Automobile in good working order
• Must have Accredited NYS Defensive driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire.
• Must maintain Active NYS Defensive Driving class every 3 years, upon expiration.
• If driving one's own vehicle, must maintain valid inspection and automobile insurance.
• Must provide proof of insurance upon hire and when requested.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, Arabic, or other language strongly preferred.

Benefits include:

• Sign on bonuses for all
• Multiple health insurance options
• Employee referral bonus
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Clinical license renewal reimbursement
• Generous paid time