Embedded Peer Home Health Care Coordinator

People USA – Embedded Peer Health Home Care Coordinator for the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department 

Work Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Monday through Friday  

Hourly Rate: $24.50 per hour ($50,000 yearly salary)   

People USA will collaborate with The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department with an Embedded Peer Health Home Care Coordinator. This will improve responses to mental health crises in the Dutchess County area. The embedded care coordinator will provide peer support for each participant in a mental health crisis. The Peer is available to instill hope, support wellness and demonstrate that recovery is real and does happen. Peers model and utilize trauma-informed techniques and tools, help participants set goals and engage in community and social events. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Respond to calls alongside police officers, to provide immediate support and intervention during crises by utilizing de-escalation techniques to defuse tense situations and minimize the need for coercive measures.  

• Conduct thorough assessments of individuals involved in police encounters, identifying underlying social, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to their situation. Facilitate appropriate referrals to community resources such as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, or social support programs. 

• Conduct risk assessments to evaluate the safety and well-being of individuals and families involved in high-risk situations, such as domestic violence or child abuse. Develop safety plans in collaboration with individuals and relevant agencies to mitigate risks and ensure their protection. 

• Provide trauma-informed care to individuals impacted by violence, abuse, or other traumatic experiences, recognizing the potential impact of trauma on behavior and well-being. Offer compassionate and culturally sensitive support to promote healing and resilience. 

• Develop and implement individualized wellness plans for individuals in need of ongoing support, coordinating services, advocating for their needs, and monitoring progress towards goals. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social service agencies, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. 

•  Community Engagement and Education: Engage with community members to build trust and foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Conduct outreach and educational initiatives to raise awareness about social issues, resources, and rights, empowering individuals to access support and navigate systems effectively. 

•  Serve as a key member of the crisis response team, working collaboratively with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders to develop protocols, trainings, and strategies for addressing mental health crises in the community. Participate in joint response efforts to ensure timely and effective interventions. 

• Advocate for the rights and interests of vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, or discrimination. Empower individuals to advocate for themselves, providing information, resources, and support to help them navigate systems and access services. 

•  Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, respecting their values, beliefs, and cultural practices. Tailor interventions and services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, promoting equity and inclusivity. 

•  Collect and analyze data on outcomes, service utilization, and community needs to inform program development, policy recommendations, and resource allocation. Participate in program evaluations and quality improvement initiatives to assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement. 

•  

• Personal lived experience/s with mental illness or substance abuse or trauma.
• New York State Certified Peer Specialist must be obtained within 6 months of hire
• Education: A Master’s degree in one of the qualifying fields and one (1) year of experience; OR  (2.) A Bachelor’s degree in one of the qualifying fields and two (2) years of experience; OR (3.) A Bachelor’s degree or higher in ANY field with either: three (3) years of experience, or two (2) years of experience as a Health Home care manager serving the SMI or SED population or (4.) A Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and two (2) years of experience. Qualifying Fields: include education degrees featuring a major or concentration in: social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation or recreation therapy, counseling, community mental health, child and family studies, sociology, speech and hearing or other human services field.
• Experience shall consist of (1.) Providing direct services to people with Serious Mental Illness, developmental disabilities, alcoholism or substance abuse, and/or children with SED; OR (2.) Linking individuals with Serious Mental Illness, children with SED, developmental disabilities, and/or alcoholism or substance abuse to a broad range of services essential to successful living in a community setting (e.g. medical, psychiatric, social, educational, legal, housing, and financial services).