JOB TITLE: Peer Specialist - CCBHC FLSA STATUS: Exempt
PROGRAM: Article 31 HOURS PER WEEK: 35
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Coordinator of Integrated Services
Salary Range: $40,000 to $42,000
Position: Hybrid
The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.
MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values, including the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making, and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.
Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of adults, children, and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.
Join our Team! We have an exciting new opportunity for a full-time Certified Peer Specialist.
Summary Of Duties:
CCBHC Peer Support Services are formal and informal services and supports provided to eligible recipients who are experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. These services provide the support necessary to ensure the engagement and active participation of the individual in the treatment planning process and support the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of recovery.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
The Peer Specialist will employ the principles of Peer Support and have experience providing direct service and intervention to individuals with behavioral health conditions to fulfill the following:
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Provide culturally sensitive peer support to individuals who are eligible for CCBHC services
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Provide one-on-one support while helping individuals connect to community resources and natural supports.
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As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Peer Specialist will make contributions that assist with engagement, practical assistance to achieve and sustain skills, development of coping mechanisms, empowerment, and building relationships.
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Maintain contact to assist individuals in negotiating systems, coordinate multiple aspects of care, and establish connections with additional service providers.
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Document client interactions in electronic health records to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
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Participate in agency training programs.
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Follow the established agency/program policies & procedures.
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Maintain appropriate professional standards.
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Other designated or related duties.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
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Experience providing direct service and intervention to individuals with Substance Use and/or Mental Health challenges
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Knowledge of the challenges experienced by and issues pertinent to members of the military, veterans, and their family members is preferred.
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Knowledge of the common challenges associated with substance use/mental health conditions.
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Working familiarity with community resources, including entitlement programs, medical, financial and legal services, housing and emergency food programs, and behavioral health treatment and rehabilitation services.
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Understand the impact of culture on behavioral health conditions and be able to effectively engage clients in culturally sensitive manner.
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Must be able to perform duties in an independent and efficient manner.
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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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OMH New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS)
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At least two years of experience working in this field.
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Basic Computer knowledge and the ability to document in an electronic health record is required.
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Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
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Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
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Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
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The Peer Specialist must be cleared NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
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Must be cleared by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
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Must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
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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 characteristic protected by the applicable law.