What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wellness Peer Support Specialist position at Independent Living, Inc.?
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Do you enjoy mentoring and advocating on behalf of others? If so, the Wellness Peer Support Specialist maybe a great fit for you.
The Wellness Peer Support Specialist serves as a peer mentor and advocate to wellness court participants and Reach One participants, providing community-based recovery support to an assigned caseload of participants. These services will be provided by a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPA) or New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS).
Independent Living, Inc., is a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region. The Wellness Peer Support Specialist position requires the minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPA) or New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), lived experience and a desire to see others thrive.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide recovery and wellness supports to individuals in a criminal justice setting
- Assist participants in all stages of recovery by recognizing personal strengths and setting goals and helping participants learn life skills building.
- Establish healthy social connections and assist participants in creating Wellness and Recovery Action Plans (WRAP’s)
- Assist individuals to negotiate and minimize continuing criminal sanctions as they make progress in recovery and meet criminal obligations
- Provide individual and/or group training and support in independent living skills, creation of healthful lifestyles, and support in areas such as self-care, holistic wellness and community awareness
- Engage participants in person (when appropriate), via email, video and cell phone, offering support, advice and guidance
- Escort participants, as needed, to court appearances, off-site referrals, community services and sober support meetings
- Refer participants to appropriate services as needed
- Attend all scheduled court sessions and travel to local courts and criminal justice agencies to engage potential participants at arraignment
- Develop a resource list for participants
- Attend and contribute to supervision meetings with ILI and Orange County Department of Mental Health as assigned
- Create and update a data sheet regarding engagement
- Provide data collection and other reports to the Regional Director of Peer Services to meet required funding mandates
- Provide sound professional judgment
- Respect and honor the rights and responsibilities of individuals being served and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics
- Attend related meetings and training as scheduled
- Be a positive role model for individuals being served, showing recovery and healthful lifestyle orientation
- Understand the effects of trauma on participants’ health and coping skills
- Develop lines of communication with the Wellness Team Court Coordinator/Judge and provide continuous feedback on participants’ progress
- Communicate to Court Coordinator to resolve any issues regarding time commitments, resistant participants or unmanageable challenges
- Follow the directions/guidance from the Forensic Coordinator
- The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.
SHIFT:
- Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.
PAY RATE:
- $22.55/hr - $23.45/hr
BENEFITS:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid time off
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Paid holidays from the first day of employment
Requirements
- Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) and New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) certification within 6 months of hiring.
- Be a peer and have personal lived experience as a former or current user of mental health services and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed
- High School diploma or education equivalent
- Knowledge of target population and area resources; working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process (including but not limited to 12 step programs, Self Help and other alternative methods)
- Two years of experience in mental health and substance use fields
- Prior lived history with the criminal justice system for themselves or a family member preferred
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of ASL a plus.
- General understanding of cultural differences and have a strong appreciation of and respect for other cultures and diversity
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team
- Ability to effectively communicate and interface well with the public
- Strong organizational skills and effective writing skills
ILI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to a person's race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, citizenship or immigration status. arrest or conviction record or any other status protected by federal or state law.
Salary Description
$22.55/hr - $23.45/hr
Salary : $23 - $23
