Certified Peer Specialist

Villa of Hope•Rochester, NY

6h•$16 - $18

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Hope Place Program Manager, the Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing quality, trauma-responsive care and programing for adults, ages 18 and older, experiencing a mental health pre-crisis or crisis, by providing the least restrictive means of crisis stabilization and treating guests to ensure their return to a higher level of functioning as quickly as possible. The program will serve those with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges; carry out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agencies and Program Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Plan.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience in lieu of education required
2 years of work or volunteer experience in a setting providing Behavioral Health services preferred.
Must obtain peer certification within 1 year of hire (Certified Peer Supports)
Flexible and adaptive to the work environment.
Ability to engage, plan, communicate, and understand mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders and developmental challenges
Availability to work afternoon, evenings 3pm -11pm, weekends 3-11pm
Proficient with Microsoft Office
Proficient in Electronic Client Record Systems preferred.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the Functional Behavioral Approach, Skill Building, Sanctuary, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Child and Family Team Process preferred.
Effective and open communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work in partnership with others, including staff members across all departments.
Strong problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize.
Organized and self-directed; team player – able to share information and collaborate effectively across all functions, and with both internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations
Maintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and/or records.
Follows crisis/emergency procedure to contact to Hope place Program Manager or Lead Certified Peer Specialist in the event the Certified Peer Specialist needs support
Assists in the development of and closely follows program & Guests Safety Plans
Provides individual and group supervision accounts for guests at all times
Provides a safe environment for guests and staff utilizing the sanctuary model
Reads and becomes familiar with program policy manual
Keeps current with the training requirements regarding Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Functional Behavioral Approach, Safety In the Community, and Motivational Interviewing and other related trainings.
Employs approved crisis intervention/prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and procedures
Documents critical incidents as required by program/agency Communicates concerns, problems, questions to Supervisor
Assists with projects associated with the Hope Place Program, including internal and external committees, task forces and special initiatives
Exercises daily decision-making, problem-solving and ongoing task prioritization
Makes appropriate referrals and linkages to community supports.
Advocacy; community outreach; education; referrals to other services (health insurance enrollment, housing, legal, care management, basic needs, etc.) or ongoing treatment; tools to support wellness and recovery
basic intake and triage; Social Determinants of Health (SDOS) assessment
De-escalation; stabilization; (mindfulness and motivational interviewing); and, brief interventions such as art, and journaling.
Documents progress notes for each visit with clients as assigned in the Electronic Client Record (eCR) within the day of service
Track and monitor progress and outcomes
Participates in surveys conducted by referring agencies
Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward Guests and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities
Recognizes and embraces the diversity of teams
Supports and develops the strengths of each individual team member
Fields questions; addresses concern of referral sources/families with Peer Mentor assignments.
Works with Program Manager to develop individualized plans to support and encourage professional growth
Completes all required documentation according to appropriate time lines.
Attends trainings as required and as appropriate to skills related to the position
Utilizes scheduler on eCR to maintain required expectations both fiscally and programmatically
Coordinates and facilitates an initial meeting with Guests when they arrive at the program
Obtains and communicates personal information regarding youth and family from referral source
Cooperates and collaborates with program staff, volunteers and other agency staff; both internal and external to the agency
Check and respond to e-mail and phone calls within 24 hours