Emergency Room Counselor

Title: Peer Counselor

Program: The Support and Connection Center

Salary: $43,000 per year

Program Description:

The Support and Connection Center (Center) provides 24/7 short stay, engagement, stabilization and treatment services for adults with mental health and/or substance use issues referred directly by NYPD as an alternative to the traditional police responses of arrest, summons, or transport to an emergency room. Guests are referred to the Center when their infractions are non-violent and/or low-level offenses such as loitering, trespass, public inebriation, and disorderly conduct. The goal of the Center is to help guests begin to identify and modify the behaviors that result in repeated police contact. An OASAS licensed outpatient clinic, located on site, provides services to guests who are eligible. The maximum length of stay is 5 days.

Overall Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Program Director, the Peer Advocate is responsible for providing a wide range of engagement, counseling, and supportive services to guests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties include but are not limited to the following activities depending on the assigned shift:

Assumes a lead role in guest engagement activities

Collaborates with staff to develop an environment conducive to recovery

Provides recovery-based services including WRAP

Promotes problem-solving and decision-making skills development, including identifying positive supports and activities

Accompanies guests to appointments as needed

Acts as an advocate and support guests' self-advocacy

Models effective coping skills

Facilitates guest engagement with community-based recovery and support services

Provide support in case management responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED

NYS Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate

At least two (2) years working in the field of peer advocacy

Lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services is preferred

An ability to work independently and to adjust one’s schedules to accommodate the needs of the guests

Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds

An ability to interface with guests as well as all levels of staff and providers

Excellent oral, writing and listening skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Bilingual skills a plus

Job Details

Pay Type Hourly

Education Level Equivalent Experience

Hiring Min Rate 40,000 USD

Hiring Max Rate 43,000 USD