Re-entry Peer Support Specialist

Agency Profile: Spectrum Health & Human Services partners with adults, children, and families as they recover from behavioral, emotional, mental health and/or substance related disorders by offering individualized and meaningful opportunities of hope, empowerment, and support to achieve self-defined improvements in their quality of life.

Full-time: 2040 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY

SUMMARY OF POSITION FUNCTION: 

Peer specialists are adults who are individuals who have lived experience in a criminal justice environment. The Peer Specialist provides the Re-entry Care coordination team’s participants support from a lived-experience and non-clinical perspective. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Knowledge and demonstration of agency core values in day-to-day activities. 
• Provide engagement and support for individuals experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use challenges in their homes, and/or communities.
• Provide education, peer counseling, assist with person centered goal planning, modeling effective coping skills, and facilitating community connections.
• Provide services in an individual setting to promote recovery, self-advocacy, and the development of natural support and community living skills.
• Work with care coordinators and individuals to assist with the identification of needs and assist with the engagement and follow up in meeting identified needs.
• Promote advocacy on behalf of the individual and support self-advocacy. 
• Assist in the development and utilization of self-help tools if applicable. 
• Provide Peer recovery support
• Provide transitional support in assisting with the successful transition into the community.
• Assist individuals with securing needed resources, benefits and linkages necessary to be successful in the community.
• Work with families to assist with identification of needed resources and to assist with supporting their loved ones on a successful transition back home.
• Self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and empowerment 
• Build and maintain community connections and natural supports 
• Foster a positive role model relationship, especially in sharing one’s own recovery from behavioral health issues if applicable
• Provide mobility training to individuals if needed to assist with managing transportation needs independently.
• Complete all documentation as required and timely.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• Proficient in the use of computer software such as MSWord, Excel, Power Point, Desktop Publishing, Outlook, etc. 
• Ability to engage and connect with individuals and their families/support systems. 
• Motivational Interviewing
• Ability to develop WRAP and or Wellness Management and Recovery
• Will train in Motivational Interviewing and WRAP plans if no prior training has been received.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Current NYCPS Certified Peer Specialist Credential or CRPA Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or working toward attaining it. 
• High school diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• Preferred one (1) year work-related experience
• Utilization of electronic data systems (i.e. electronic records and computers)
• Lived Experience in the Criminal Justice System
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and a vehicle with an acceptable driving record

COMPENSATION: $20.08/hr - $25.60/hr

Salary : $20 - $26