Peer Specialist

Overview
VNS Health Peer Specialists/ Advocates are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists/Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists/ Advocates directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community. VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional. Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don’t meet all criteria .

What We Provide

• Referral bonus opportunities

• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays

• Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability

• Employer-matched retirement saving funds

• Personal and financial wellness programs 

• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care  and commuter transit program

• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees

• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement 

• Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities  

• Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals

What You Will Do

• Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services

• Builds relationship and trust with clients and their family/caregiver and assists with their interactions with professionals on the team

• Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members

• Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client/consumers/members

• Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed

• Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals

• Teaches and models symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients to take a proactive role in their recovery process

• Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragement

• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the client's needs as identified in the assessment and or-treatment process

• Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supports

• Documents in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and city, state and federal regulatory requirements

• Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate

• Participates in case conferences, staff meetings, supervision and training programs

• Develops a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients/consumers/members. Serves as a bridge between team members and participant

• For Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinical (CCBHC):

• Educates clients about the different types of treatment available, including medications for addiction treatment

• Helps clients identify their strengths as well as obstacles to their recovery

• Assists clients with applying for benefits

• Provides resources for external and post-discharge services

• Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating in treatment goals for clients/consumers/members

• For IMT, ACT, MC, OMH Suicide Prevention:

• Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients’ homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations

About the Program

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Care Management

The SUD Care Management program provides short-term care management, treatment linkage, and support services for adults and adolescents living with substance use disorders. The program focuses on engaging individuals with frequent emergency department and inpatient utilization, helping them access treatment, recovery resources, and ongoing support.

Why Join This Program: Play a key role in connecting individuals to recovery services and reducing barriers to treatment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• New York Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required

• Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, substance use treatment program, health care or human services setting, preferred

• Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substance using population, preferred

• Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication and relationship building skills required

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team

• Computer literacy (electronic health records, word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry), required

• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, preferred

Pay Range
USD $20.98 - USD $26.23 /Hr.
About Us
VNS Health has been committed to meeting the needs of New Yorkers for over 130 years. We’re one of the largest nonprofit home- and community-based health care organizations in the country, and today, more than 11,500 team members work together to make a difference in the lives of more than 99,000 patients and members on any given day.