PD Peer Respite Worker, ICR

Community Access • New, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Community Access is seeking a Per-Diem Peer Respite Worker for its Intensive Crisis Residence (ICR). The ICR is an OMH licensed program inspired by the Soteria model, offering an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises. It provides a stabilizing, home-like environment with 24-hour peer support and treatment services for up to 28 days. The program emphasizes shared living, positive recovery expectations, validation of experiences, 'being with' individuals, 1:1 support, and self-determination. Services are voluntary, and guests are encouraged to maintain community activities like work and school. The program includes discharge planning and post-discharge health resource navigation support.

Requirements

• Understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully.
• Ability to be mindfully present and have respect for, and a high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening and responding.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented practice and the ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills.
• Resourceful and knowledgeable of community resources and services.
• Graduate of a core peer specialist training program.
• Willingness to participate in/successful completion of all required training.
• Ability to integrate skills, knowledge, and approach into work with guests.
• Acquisition of NYS Peer Certification, at least at Provisional level within 90 days of hire (preferably attained) with a commitment to achieve permanent certification within one year of hire.
• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the Office of Mental Health (OMH).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to set priorities and manage multiple and competing tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Ability to walk up several flights of stairs.
• Ability to work in the field (using public transportation).
• Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems.
• Available to work evenings, nights, weekends, and cover holidays as assigned.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking.
• Ability to speak other relevant languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop mentoring and supportive relationships with ICR guests, promoting connection and hope.
• Utilize stabilizing routines of the home-like environment to deescalate crisis and promote recovery-oriented practices.
• Engage guests in individual and group-based peer support services to identify and develop crisis-management skills.
• Address guests' questions and fears, while building self-advocacy and systems-navigation skills.
• Collaborate with the full ICR team to promote a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
• Conduct group activities that foster connection, mutual understanding, and wellness.
• Write and enter progress notes into AWARDS within 48 hours of the meeting.
• Complete Service Plans for assigned guests within 24 hours of admission.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED