Certified Peer Specialist - Housing Services

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.•Islip, NY

1d•$21 - $21•Hybrid

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 support peers' transitions between settings ('bridging') and utilize their lived experience with 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

Treat each individual with dignity and respect in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
Report possible violations of individual's rights promptly, and complete and submit incident reports in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
Ensure that the individual’s needs are met and intercede on their behalf as necessary.
Participate in any investigation into incidents occurring within the program as requested and maintain confidentiality in regard to such investigations.
Provide supportive services including 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.
Visit 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.
Assist 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.
Utilize lived experience to provide support to individuals in the programs.
Participate in the screening and intake process and facilitate Needs Assessments and/or Rehabilitation Readiness assessments with all new individuals.
Serve as support and advocate in the admissions and discharges process of individuals in the program.
Assist individuals and team in the development of their person-centered Support Plans.
Assist with the development of Relapse Prevention Plans and, as per plan, support individuals if crisis or emergency situations arise.
Assist with developing and maintaining compatible living arrangements with housemate(s).
Access and provide individuals with referrals for needed services as well as assist in linkage to those services.
Accompany individuals to appointments, as needed.
Help in preparing forms, applications and/or documents.
Act as liaison between individuals, landlords and various treatment team members.
Follow OSHA regulations, including universal precautions.
Project a positive, professional image and establish positive working relationships with co-workers, management, clinicians, collateral providers, regulatory bodies, and the public.
Mediate emergency situations in the program according to established policies and procedures, and ensure communication of such situations in a timely fashion.
Report all violations and/or accidents in Agency or personal vehicle in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
Ensure that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed/processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
Comply 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.
Meet all safety training requirements; adhere to all safety policies and report any and all unsafe conditions; take measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
Coordinate, support, attend and participate in all required events/meetings/reviews/committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
Meet all job requirements and stay in compliance.
Adhere to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.