Peer Engagement Specialist, Residential Services

Behavioral Health Services North • Plattsburgh, NY

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides engagement and support to adults recovering from mental health and/or dual diagnosis in a residential, community, and/or office setting. The goal is to help participants reach their full potential and transition toward independent living. A New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) is defined as a person who, by virtue of special knowledge, training, and experience, is uniquely able to inform, motivate, guide, and support persons in recovery from a mental health condition, diagnosis, or major life disruption.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Obtain “New York Certified Peer Specialist-Provisional” certification within 90 days of employment
• Comply with the annual renewal standards required to maintain “New York Certified Peer Specialist – Provisional” certification until NYCPS certification is obtained
• Obtain “New York Certified Peer Specialist” (NYCPS) certification within 36 months of employment
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the mental health system
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Valid NYS driver’s license with driving record acceptable to BHSN insurance carrier and reliable transportation for local travel required
• Ability to climb stairs, and participate in lifting and moving a resident’s belongings, up to 25 lbs
• Participate in educational activities through BHSN and as required to maintain NYCPS credential

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge with PC applications and electronic health records strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Utilizing unique recovery experiences, teach and model the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Encourage peers to develop healthy independence.
• Establish and maintain a peer relationship rather than a hierarchical relationship.
• Utilizing direct peer-to-peer interaction and a goal-setting process, understand and utilize specific interactions to assist peers in meeting their individualized recovery goals.
• Demonstrate and impart how to facilitate recovery dialogues through the use of active listening and other best practice methods.
• Demonstrate and impart relevant skills needed for self-management of symptoms and relapse.
• Demonstrate and impart how to overcome personal fears, anxieties, urges, and triggers.
• Assist individuals in recovery in articulating their personal goals and objectives for recovery.
• Assist individuals in recovery in creating their personal recovery plans (e.g., WRAP, crisis plan, etc.).
• Appropriately document activities provided to peers in either their individual records or program records.
• Serve as a recovery agent by providing and promoting recovery-based services (e.g., WRAP, IPS, etc.).
• Assist individuals in recovery in obtaining services that suit each peer’s individual recovery needs.
• Assist individuals in recovery in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy.
• Assist individuals in recovery in developing problem-solving skills so they can respond to challenges to their recovery.
• When appropriate, share his or her unique perspective on recovery from mental illness and co-occurring disorders with non-peer staff.
• Assist non-peer staff in a collaborative process in identifying programs and environments that are conducive to recovery.
• Links service recipients to resources, services, and supports.
• Facilitates/provides transportation to clients and attends appointments with participants as needed.
• Develop, implement, and facilitate socialization opportunities that are individualized to meet participants' needs, wishes, and abilities.
• Participate and assist participant acclimation to program upon admission, throughout program stay, and help prepare for program discharge.
• Supports collaboration and teamwork by sharing information and responding to questions/requests from residential/treatment team and other support providers.
• Provides restorative services reimbursable by Medicaid.
• Participates in the writing and timely completion of any required documentation in accordance with state/federal regulations and agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains client confidentiality and confidential health information.
• Promotes service recipients’ growth and development.
• Maintains professional boundaries.
• Attends and participates in meetings as requested.
• Attends and/or completes all assigned trainings as required.
• Assist with training new staff members.
• Is willing to work flexible hours corresponding to the needs of the program.
• Observes possible malfunctions of equipment and contents of apartment; takes appropriate action when needed.
• Assists residents in maintaining apartments in a safe and sanitary condition.
• Makes daily/weekly visits to apartments on an as needed basis.
• Transports residents to and from doctor appointments, grocery shopping, etc., while teaching residents on how to acquire independent transportation when possible.
• Complies with all BHSN and regulatory policies and procedures.
• Completes additional duties consistent with the Peer Engagement Specialist role as requested.

Benefits

• Generous benefits, including personalized health coverage, paid time off, and holiday pay
• Working within our community, making a real impact, working alongside passionate colleagues
• Accessible leadership team, coaching for your growth, and ample training opportunities
• With BHSN University, we provide our team members with continuous learning, mentorship, and internal education opportunities to encourage our team to continue discovering and innovating
• As a rapidly growing organization, there are endless opportunities to grow within the organization
• Community discounts, loan forgiveness & more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED