HOURS PER WEEK: 35
POSITION: Hybrid
Join our Team! We have an exciting new opportunity for a
Peer Specialist WRN-E position in Tarrytown and surrounding communities.
SUMMARY of DUTIES:
Westchester Recovery Network- Enhanced (WRN-E) is a mobile service that provides peer support to individuals during times of vulnerability, such as after recent hospitalization, release from incarceration, during times of homelessness, or other periods of increased distress. We collaborate with individuals to help them build the life they choose and achieve their recovery goals. We offer 24/7 phone support, weekend and evening community visits when necessary, and structured and flexible individual and group peer support.
SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Provide individual peer support and collaborative record-keeping for approximately 20 individuals.
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Provide regular participant contact, community outreach, individual support, group facilitation, and crisis support as needed.
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Weekly full-time schedule may include two evenings per week and one week end day.
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Assist individuals with bridging from respite, emergency rooms, periods of incarceration, hospitalization, and other institutional settings into independent community living.
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Utilize Strengths-Based Assessment tools, and Advanced Directives and develop Wellness/Recovery Plans as desired by the participants served.
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Other related duties and related duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
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Prior knowledge and/or use of Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Practice and Motivational Interviewing skills.
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Knowledge of the Recovery process and the ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes, as well as peer-driven self-help alternatives such as WRAP Plans, Advance Directives, and Hearing Voice Network groups.
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Knowledge of Westchester County community resources for individuals diagnosed with mental health or co-occurring conditions.
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Knowledge and skills to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individuals in self-directed recovery.
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Knowledge of the signs of psychiatric crises, and peer engagement skills/de-escalation techniques.
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Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
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Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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The Peer Specialist should have a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field from an accredited college or a comparable combination of education and work experience, which should include at least 2 years of employment in the mental health/ social services field.
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A provisional certification by the NYS Academy of Peer Specialists
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Must possess strong organizational and writing skills.
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Must also be flexible, respectful, creative, and person-centered.
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This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and the possibility of robust recovery for people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities.
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This position also requires lived experience as a recipient of mental health services and/or of personal recovery and a willingness to complete all requirements for the New York State Certification as a Peer Specialist.
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Strong computer skills are required.
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Must be reliable and able to work independently, as well as part of a Team, and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
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The Peer Specialist must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
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The Peer Specialist must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
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Must be and maintain clearance by the DCJS New York State Sex Offender Registry.
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The Peer Specialist must be cleared by the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
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The Peer Specialist must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
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The Peer Specialist must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law.