Youth Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: Assistant Director of Peer and Recovery Services

Program: Peer and Recovery Services
Location: White Plains, NY
Hours Per Week : 35
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-exempt
Salary: $22-25 per hour

Summary Description: The Youth Peer Specialist services are formal and informal services and supports provided to youth who are experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community. These services provide the support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and support the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of recovery.

Responsibilities :

• Engage the youth in a variety of strategies to work toward identified goals, including but not limited to strengthening problem-solving skills; providing mentoring; engaging in community resource exploration; and providing life skills support.

• Engage in regular communication with the child’s treatment team, to ensure continuity of CCBHC services.

• Engage as part of an interdisciplinary CCBHC team to support youth through recovery.

• Document client progress and maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.

• Practice with a person-centered, trauma-informed philosophy in alignment with the values of MHA.

• Attend community and internal meetings as requested.

• Due to the nature of the program, must be able to work a flexible schedule.

• Other designated or related duties.

Competencies:

• The individual must have a strong ability to use their own personal lived experience to connect with and relate to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) participants, particularly around challenges associated with a chronic mental health condition.
• Should have a demonstrated ability to relate well to adults.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communications skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with participants of mental health services.
• Two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or participant run organizations or similar experiences or programs.
• Ability/ willingness to disclose their recovery story (where appropriate) for the purposes of empowerment.
• Excellent judgment/ ability to understand boundaries when working with participants of mental health services.
• Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Number of retained participants in the program.
• Assessing the impact of peer support on participant recovery and wellbeing.
• Ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Participation in and application of ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Accuracy and timeliness of documentation in electronic health records.

Requirements:

• Must hold State certification as a Peer Specialist, or have the ability to obtain provisional certification within 6 months and standard certification within 12 months of being hired.
• Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state (OMH, OASAS, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42CFR).
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Basic Computer knowledge and the ability to document in an electronic health record is required.
• Preferred valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Must maintain pre-employment clearances by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations :

• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.