Peer Specialist - IMT

Community Access Inc•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Community Access is seeking a Peer Specialist to join their Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) team. The IMT model is an innovative, trauma-informed approach designed to provide treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals whose needs have not been met by traditional services. These individuals often interact with homeless services, criminal justice, and behavioral health systems. IMT teams are structured for maximum flexibility and continuity of care, serving individuals who are street homeless or transitioning between institutional settings and housing. Team members work collaboratively, using assertive engagement strategies to connect individuals with services and support them in achieving their personal goals related to housing, health, social, work, or education. The IMT teams are multi-disciplinary, including psychiatry, nursing, social work, and peer specialists, offering expertise in housing, substance use and harm reduction, criminal justice, peer support, and behavioral health recovery. Services are delivered in natural settings, responsive to participant choices, needs, and goals, with a low staff-to-participant ratio, available 24/7.

Requirements

Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
Commitment to person-centered treatment strategies, upholding participants’ rights, and self-determination in service provision.
New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Provisional, or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required.
Lived experience within the mental health system required.
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with a mental health condition, substance use disorder, and / or history of trauma.
Available to work a flexible schedule, mornings, evenings and weekends in response to participant needs.
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Be creative and flexible.
Able to show initiative and be responsible for follow-through.
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.
Must be able to work in the community, including use of public transportation across the boroughs.
Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word and Excel, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems.
Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center.

Nice To Haves

Recovery experience related to substance use services or criminal justice system preferred.
A history of homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and experience with substance use services, preferred.
Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete assessments and service plans as needed, ensuring assigned assessments are completed on time.
Complete progress notes for all contacts, collaterals, and engagement attempts within 2 business days.
Engage and build trusting relationships with program participants and their networks to support the person’s recovery.
Serve as a resource to participants and other team members in issues related to integrating wellness goals.
Share personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit IMT program participants.
Collaborate with other team members to deliver comprehensive, integrated, and flexible services.
Work in the community, including use of public transportation across the boroughs.