Full-Time Peer Companion

People USA•Walden, NY

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Companion staff will support the daily operations of the People USA Rose house crisis respite. They provide peer support for each rose house guest and are available to instill hope, support wellness, and demonstrate that recovery is real and does happen. Peer companions must follow the peer specialist model and utilize trauma-informed techniques and tools, help guests set goals, and engage in community and social events. Candidates must have personal lived experience with trauma, mental health, or substance abuse history.

Requirements

Must have personal lived experience with trauma, mental health, or substance abuse history.
Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language, and behaviors reflecting such values.
Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
Understanding of available community supports.
Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
Must have good time management skills and be self-directing.
Must have reliable transportation.
High School Diploma Required.
At least one year in recovery from acute care environment
Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY State Peer Specialist Certification or willingness to complete.
A shared vision of hope for people experiencing a crisis.
Work or Volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy, or human services.
Basic knowledge of community support services/resources

Nice To Haves

Completion of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training (preferred).
Understanding of recovery and wellness vs. illness based system (preferred)
Professional demeanor.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide support for guests during the interview, intake, arrival, and departure.
Share personal experience and encourage mental health wellness and recovery.
Assist in connection to mental health services, community resources, entitlements, and other services as needed.
Model and utilize Trauma Informed techniques and tools as outlined in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, SafeTALK, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
Complete all necessary Academy of Peer Services (APS) online learning and complete NY State Peer Specialist Certification Application.
Transport guests to store or appointments when needed, using an agency vehicle.
Provide telephone support to peers in the community through the 24 hours peer warm line.
Help maintain a clean, safe, and secure trauma-informed environment. Some cleaning duties may be assigned.
Manage downtime with Guest wellness-focused activities and duties.
Work cooperatively Rose House team and maintain clear, honest and respectful communication with team members