ACT Peer Specialist

Purpose: To serve as a role model and advocate for clients receiving ACT services in the community. Assist in the areas of entitlements, self‑advocacy and empowerment, daily activities, housing and employment. Teach independent living skills. Function as a full member of the ACT team providing evidence‑based interventions as part of the ACT model. The majority of this role is conducted in the community and is not site specific. Responsibilities Provide concrete service delivery to clients (e.g. benefits/entitlements) as per program needs. Lead and co‑lead a variety of recovery groups on issues such as self‑advocacy, entitlements, daily living activities, housing issues, employment readiness, smoking cessation, substance use disorders, and other groups as deemed appropriate. Communicate with collaterals and other agency staff on behalf of clients to assist case‑management staff as needed. Participate in team meetings, supervision, and discharge‑planning discussions. Appropriately document individual and group notes in electronic health records. Assist in various duties as needed for the program. Maintain resource materials on recovery for client use. Conduct weekly in‑person visits for clients residing in homeless shelters or assigned to the program and for clients in the community where they are accessible. Train consumers in peer advocacy skills, harm‑reduction skills, and emotional‑management skills. Escort clients to doctors, court, interviews, and other appointments as needed. Teach independent living skills such as cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, and medication adherence. Complete relapse‑prevention plans with clients. Conduct diligent searches for missing clients, including outreaches to DHS, hospitals, web searches, and in‑person physical attempts to locate clients. May be assigned other tasks and duties reasonably related to the role. Skills and/or Experience Required Relevant life experience preferred. Familiarity with NYS entitlements, housing, and mental‑health service delivery systems. Basic computer skills a plus. Communication Skills Ability to articulate the company’s philosophy, mission, and goals to a varied audience. Ability to author and present effective and persuasive speeches and presentations to various groups, including clients, management, and employees. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints, including those of a sensitive and confidential nature, from any of the following people: clients, consumers, managers, employees, regulatory agencies, arbitrators, union representatives, vendors, or applicants. Ability to effectively present information to clients, top management, and staff in verbal and written formats. Mathematical Skills Ability to perform basic mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Reasoning Skills Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to work within general guidelines and minimal supervision. Ability to organize, prioritize and execute responsibilities in the face of conflicting priorities or unexpected situations. Ability to recognize the need for confidentiality of information and to maintain such confidences. Work Environment / Physical Effort Must be comfortable with public transportation and traveling in the community; this position requires 80% of the time in the field and 20% in the office. Must be comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time. Requirements High school diploma, GED, or some post‑secondary education preferred. Experience with a similar population in a community setting. NY Peer Specialist certification required. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services