HCBS/CORE Peer Advocate

Job Title: HCBS/CORE Peer Advocate

Reports to: Program Director

Job Purpose

The Mental Health Association in Jefferson County, Inc. (MHAJC) is a non-profit peer-to-peer agency. MHAJC has been committed to providing individualized services in a community-based setting that promotes recovery, dignity, personal growth, self-determination, and health for those with a mental health and/or substance use diagnosis.

MHAJC is looking for a HCBS/CORE (Home & Community Based Services/Community Oriented Recovery & Empowerment Services) Peer Advocate to provide person-centered, recovery-oriented mental health support to individuals with serious mental illness or addiction disorders, often delivered in their own home or community setting, with a focus on building skills and promoting community participation and independence.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Assist clients with support and connections to community resources in addition to providing advice on empowerment skills and successful community living.

· Work together with clients to assess needs and develop personalized service plans based on recovery goals.

· Provide transportation to service participants in accordance with recovery goals listed on individualized service plans.

· Ability to work with interdisciplinary team members while advocating and ensuring successful recovery and overall mental health wellbeing.

· Serve as a mentor to individuals in recovery to promote empowerment, hope, and community integration.

· Ability to utilize and promote problem solving and decision-making skill development.

· Participate in bi-weekly supervision, team meetings, training, and other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

· Adherent to HIPPA privacy regulations.

· Maintain compliance regarding NYS Office of Mental Health service delivery and documentation requirements.

· Demonstrate proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, ECR system).

· Use effective time management skills to balance job tasks.

· Willing to demonstrate progress towards Peer Certification If you identify as a peer become, within a given timeframe, a Certified Peer Specialist based on “The Shared Persona Experience” paradigm at (http://nypeerspecialist.org/)

· Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

· Associates degree in a human services field with at least one to two years advocacy experience preferred.

· A clean driver’s license.

· Must have strong communication and written skills.

· Must have the ability to be sensitive to persons with mental health illness.

· Organized and detail-oriented.

· Problem solver.

· Must pass the appropriate background checks and fingerprinting.

Working Conditions/Location

This position will work in an office-based setting and come in regular contact with our members.

Position will be housed at MHAJC’s main office located at 425 Washington street, Watertown, NY, 13601. Traveling is required, including to client homes, public meeting areas, and to other community resources.

Physical Requirements

This position will require bending and some lifting in addition to regular movement.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16