Field Based Peer Specialist - Substance Abuse Service Center

Bowery Residents' Committee•New York, NY

About The Position

Are you looking to make a positive impact on the lives of those in your community? At BRC, our staff help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness reclaim their lives by providing a hand up, offering opportunities for health and self-sufficiency, and restoring hope and dignity. Each and every BRC staff member makes heroic contributions to this city, providing vital services in times of crisis and need. Through our commitment to employee wellbeing and development, BRC provides a workplace where staff can achieve their goals, make a difference with our clients, and grow personally and professionally. BRC is committed to a safe and healthy workplace: we provide PPE to all employees and enforce temperature monitoring and physical distancing best practices across our programs. Today, we have over 1000 full-time, part-time, and per-diem positions located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. Come and learn why 95% of BRC employees report that they would recommend BRC as a good place to work, and join us in building a more caring and compassionate city. The Fred Cooper Substance Abuse Service Center (SASC), which is licensed by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and funded by Medicaid and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, serves people with alcohol and substance abuse problems who are homeless or marginally housed. SASC also has services specifically designed for clients who are dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse. One of a number of BRC's low-threshold programs, SASC provides the setting and support necessary for severely dysfunctional chronic alcoholics and other substance abusers with poor treatment histories to have a reasonable chance of attaining long-term sobriety and stability in their lives.

Requirements

H.S. diploma/ GED and Certified Peer Specialist (CRPA) Certificate.
Knowledge of OASAS rules and regulations and be able to maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
Basic computer literacy required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/ English) preferred.
Vaccination preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Participate in a two-person team with the Field Based Social Work Supervisor.
Work collaboratively with shelter staff to address the needs of clients with substance use disorders in the shelter system.
Meets with clients in assigned shelter(s)
Educates all clients on NARCAN, Harm reduction, and safe use practices
Engages each client assigned to the team with the social worker and provide guidance and advice as needed.
Spends time with clients during mealtimes and recreation time to engage around wellbeing and offer peer support
Escort and assist clients in going to SUD service providers (inclusive of harm reduction providers).
Attends community meetings as assigned.
Collects data and writes progress notes as appropriate of services and referrals provided.
Reports to the Field Based Social Worker.
Builds rapport with shelter staff.
Provide emergency first aid/CPR assistance when needed.
Related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for health insurance and paid sick time benefits immediately upon starting work.
Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage is available for your spouse, domestic partner, and dependents.
A minimum of 3 weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, and additional paid sick and personal time.
A 403(b) pension plan with a matching benefit paid by BRC.
Tuition assistance and many training opportunities for career development.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are available so employees can set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare, transit and childcare.

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