CRPA or NYCPS Peer Specialist

Benefits We have three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary. Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year. We offer an educational benefit. This money is available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks. Pay range: $19 USD to $21 USD Overview Using a one‑to‑one person‑centered counseling model, the Community Oriented Recovery & Empowerment (CORE) program seeks to improve the functioning of individuals living with mental illness, histories of chemical and alcohol dependence, or physical disabilities, helping them achieve personal goals in the areas of recovery, employment or independent functioning. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Peer Specialist will carry a caseload of clients and serve as a role model, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills, and advocate providing information and peer support. Community‑based work and meeting people in their communities is a large part of this position. These services aim to reduce unnecessary hospitalization/ institutional level of care and improve societal integration of those served. Service delivery is designed to be flexible and individualized, focusing on skill development and identification of community supports to overcome deficits related to function and motivation. Responsibilities Person‑Centered Recovery Planning, Documentation, and Collaboration: A person‑centered planning process is used to support the individual’s recovery goal, engaging the individual in shared decision making around service and recovery planning. Review progress toward goals and objectives; update the ISP as goals are met or changes are needed. Communicate with other providers such as prescribers, treatment providers, case managers, or employment specialists to ensure integrated, collaborative care. Advocacy Support: Build the individual’s skills and self‑efficacy related to shared decision making. Develop mental health care directive and psychiatric advance directives (PADs). Work alongside the individual as they seek and obtain benefits and entitlements, food, shelter, and permanent housing; raise awareness of existing services and community resources, pathways to recovery, and help remove barriers to access. Connect individuals to "warmlines" and peer‑run groups in the community (in‑person or online). Advocate on behalf of the individual and support their self‑advocacy during appointments. Activation and Engagement in Recovery: Validate the individual’s experiences and feelings, conveying hope to the individual about their own recovery. Relate your own recovery stories and sharing and describing personal recovery practices, helping the individual discover practices that work for them. Model a recovery lifestyle, including participation in activities beyond the scope of treatment providers (e.g., attending 12‑step meetings or similar community items). Assist the individual in identifying activities that promote passion, purpose, and meaning, and coach them in overcoming barriers to engagement. Provide wellness coaching focused on whole health, discussing ongoing personal efforts to enhance health, wellness, and recovery. Assist the individual in selecting and using self‑directed recovery tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and recovery plans. Community Participation: Utilize shared personal experience to support skill development guiding the individual toward greater independence in the community (e.g., personal banking, accessing public transportation, attending community events, membership in community organizations). Explore community spaces that promote integration, inclusion, and participation, bridging from the individual’s home to the community. Support the individual in attending community activities and appointments when requested. Assist the individual in connecting to long‑term natural supports that enhance quality and overall security of life. Additional Tasks: Hold case conferences as needed. Document all services and administrative work in Electronic Health Records within 48 hours. Lead CORE group sessions, as needed, in collaboration with the CORE team. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and as stated in the NYS CORE operations Manual. Requirements Minimum of high school diploma/GED and Peer Certification NYCPS, NYCPS‑P, CRPA, CRPA‑P, from the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board/OMH/OASAS. Excellent intrapersonal skills and ability to navigate difficult situations. Great organizational skills. Ability to use technology in support of job requirements, including Microsoft tools (Outlook, Teams, Word, etc.), electronic health records, copying and scanning documents, etc. Experience working with people with mental health diagnoses, substance use or other needs to support their recovery journeys. Knowledge of the Harm Reduction Model and Stages of Change. Equal Opportunity Employer Housing Works provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Housing Works complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Housing Works