Certified Peer Specialist - Housing Services

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises•Islip, NY

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the overall supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist is responsible for supporting and mentoring individuals in OMH Supportive Housing, Mobile Residential Support Team (MRST), and OMH Crisis Programs. The role involves helping individuals develop personal and meaningful independent living goals to integrate into their local communities. Peer Support Specialists bridge transitions between settings and utilize their lived experience of mental health services to act as a role model, support, and coach. They aim to enhance self-confidence, self-responsibility, and personal growth, while also managing crises and addressing risks to maintain housing stability and community tenure.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
NYS Peer Specialist Certification required
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to work independent with minimum supervision
Willingness to work with individuals diagnosed with behavioral health symptoms
Valid Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the organization required

Nice To Haves

Related experience preferred

Responsibilities

Treats each individual with dignity and respect in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
Reports possible violations of individual's rights promptly, and completes and submits incident reports in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
Ensures that the individual’s needs are met and intercedes on their behalf as necessary.
Participates in any investigation into incidents occurring within the program as requested and maintains confidentiality in regard to such investigations.
Provides supportive services which include, but are not limited to, building awareness of and accessing desired/needed services, teaching independent living skills, and building knowledge base and skills associated with tenant responsibilities and limit/prevent risk of housing instability.
Visits individuals on a minimum of a monthly basis or more often as needed.
For participants in the OMH Crisis Programs, provide consistent support during scheduled shifts.
Assists the individual in the development of goals that are personally relevant and culturally sensitive to the individual’s beliefs and background, leading to increased independent living and stable community involvement.
Utilizes lived experience to provide support to individuals in the programs.
Participates in the screening and intake process and facilitates Needs Assessments and/or Rehabilitation Readiness assessments with all new individuals.
Serves as support and advocate in the admissions and discharges process of individuals in the program.
Assists individuals and team in the development of their person-centered Support Plans.
Assists with the development of Relapse Prevention Plans and, as per plan, supports individual if crisis or emergency situation arises.
Assists with developing and maintaining compatible living arrangements with housemate(s).
Accesses and provides individuals with referrals for needed services as well as assists in linkage to those services.
Accompanies individuals to appointments, as needed.
Helps in preparing forms, applications and/or documents.
Acts as liaison between individuals, landlords and various treatment team members.
Follows OSHA regulations, including universal precautions.
Projects a positive, professional image and establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, management, clinicians, collateral providers, regulatory bodies, and the public.
Mediates emergency situations in the program according to established policies and procedures, and ensures communication of such situations in a timely fashion.
Reports all violations and/or accidents in Agency or personal vehicle in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.