Peer Specialist

PEER SPECIALIST

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This work involves the responsibility for providing peer support services to adults struggling with serious mental illness in the community. The work involves participating as a part of a multi-disciplinary team to plan and provide appropriate treatment interventions to assist individuals in regaining and retaining psychiatric stability and a wide range of other functional abilities while making their way through the criminal legal system. The Peer Specialist, in consultation with other mental health professionals and paraprofessionals, is responsible for meeting the needs of the individuals assigned, within their scope of practice. This work requires general computer skills and the ability to speak comfortably in a multi-disciplinary team and with criminal legal officials. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Court Navigator. The work is completed following standard written procedures and guidelines. Supervision of others is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: The typical work activities listed below, while providing representative examples of the variety of work assignments in the title do not describe any individual position. Incumbents in this title may perform some or all of the following, as well as other related activities not described.

Provides the perspective of and advocates for the service recipient in program development and the carrying out of activities;

Works with individuals to identify and give voice to their own recovery path, meeting people with compassion and empathy;

Assists clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy;

Provides supportive case management services, involving assistance with completing tasks independently- such as making phone calls to community providers with individuals, filling out paperwork or attending appointments/meetings;

Provides verbal and written information clearly and accurately;

Assists clients in problem solving, decision making, and goal planning (both creation and adjustment of person-centered goals and service plans);

Participates in ongoing learning experiences as required and/or to obtain or maintain NYS Academy of Peers Credentialing;

Prepares, maintains, and organizes a variety of records and reports, commensurate with position, to support the program.

FULL PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of the behavioral health system of care and criminal legal system; working knowledge of addiction and intellectual/developmental disabilities; working knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and active substance use; ability to work with the Serious Mental Illness (SMI) population; ability to maintain records and prepare narrative reports, statistical reports and general correspondence; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with other departmental staff and the community; sound professional judgment; tact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:

A. Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Substance Use Counseling, Sociology, Psychology, or closely related field; OR

B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of full-time paid or its part time equivalent experience in the criminal justice field, substance use disorder field, or working with individuals with mental health diagnoses;

Note: Your degree or college credits must have been awarded or earned by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.

Special Requirement: Certification as a New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) as recognized by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB) must be obtained within one (1) year from date of appointment.

4707 PEER SPEC

Classification: Competitive

Grade: 13

Union: CSEA

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.28 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $29