Peer Support Specialist

Pay $18.00 - $20.00 an hour

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) works as part of the Community Health and Behavioral Services (CHBS) program to support clients in their recovery process. The PSS is a key part of the multi-disciplinary treatment team and works directly with clients to provide advocacy and support in their treatment program. The PSS works to engage individuals at all points of service, to include: admission, treatment, discharge planning and after-care services.

The PSS must identify as being actively in recovery from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one’s recovery journey. The PSS must currently have a certification, or attain provisional certification within 90-days of employment, as a Peer Specialist or Advocate recognized by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and/or Office of Addiction Supports and Services (OASAS).

Core Responsibilities 

• Support clients presenting to CHBS in their admission process through the duration of their enrollment in mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment.
• Relate to the client as an advocate for their treatment services.
• Advocate within systems to promote coordination of care and person-centered recovery.
• Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
• Use a person centered approach.
• Support a holistic approach and the multiple pathways to recovery, to include the use of self-help resources.
• Serve as a role model to clients.
• Educate through shared experiences.
• Establish appropriate respectful peer relationships.
• Mentor clients in areas that support recovery such as effective communication, self-care, self-advocacy, conflict resolution.
• Lead educational and support groups for clients.
• Participate in the clinical treatment team model, to include informing treatment planning and promoting individualized goals.
• Adhere to all defined role responsibility and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.
• Provides data to CHBS leadership on services provided on a monthly basis.
• Comply with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• 18 year of age or older
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or NYS Certified Peer Specialist or provisional status to be attained within 90-days of employment and full certification to be attained within NYS Certification Board recognized by OMH and/or OASAS.
• For individuals not yet certified at the time of hire must identify as being actively in recovery for at least one-year from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one’s recovery journey and be able to submit three letters of reference to the NYS Certification Board to support application for Certified Peer Specialist of Advocate.
• Attest to the respective Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct for Peer Specialists or Advocate.
• Previous experience working with individuals with complex substance use and mental health needs.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License-travel is required. 

Benefits