Peer Counselor

Metrocare Services•Hillside, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of Metrocare Services is to serve our neighbors with developmental or mental health challenges by helping them find lives that are meaningful and satisfying. We are an agency committed to quality gender-responsive, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing serious mental illness, development disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. Metrocare programs focus on the issues that matter most in the lives of the children, families and adults we serve. This role provides support to clients using personal experience, engages and orients clients to clinical treatment, and provides linkage to community supports for clients.

Requirements

GED or high school equivalent
Applicants must be a current or past consumer of mental health services.
Basic math skills required.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
Use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
Ability to utilize Internet for resources.
Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state. If licensed in another state, must obtain Texas Driver License within three (3) months of employment.
Liability insurance required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business. Must be insurable by Centers liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business. Must have an acceptable driving record.
Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the ethical standards of conduct, state contract, appropriate professional standards and applicable state/federal laws
Analytical skills, professional acumen, business ethics, thorough understanding of continuous improvement processes, problem solving, respect for confidentiality, and excellent communication skills
Knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of formal and informal community supports
Effective communication skills written and oral
Pass all clinical competencies as outlined by TRR guidelines
Customer service approach to clients

Nice To Haves

Experience in facilitating groups a plus.
Completion of Via Hope Training within 1 year of hire, including certification as a Certified Peer Specialist
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
Above average typing ability

Responsibilities

Provide support to clients using personal experience
Provide individual clinical sessions to consumers, either in the clinic or in the community
Facilitate peer led group discussions around various clinical areas, including but not limited to, Crisis Management, Understanding Mental Illness, and Dual Diagnosis
Engage and orient clients to clinical treatment
Provide clinical services in accordance with TRR guidelines
Document services accurately by close of next business day
Participate in regular supervision, including monthly observational supervision
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and provide feedback on clients progress with treatment when appropriate
Lead family education groups
Provide linkage to community supports for clients.
Performs other duties as assigned.