Peer Specialist

Outreach Development Corp.•Brentwood, NY

36d

About The Position

Outreach is a non-profit organization that helps people address the issues stemming from substance use and behavioral health disorders by providing the highest quality, life-changing treatment, training and tools to build healthy lives. Our mission is to inspire individuals and families to achieve a life of unlimited potential by developing and delivering the highest quality evidence-based behavioral health services and training. For more information, please visit www.opiny.org. The Peer Counselor provides peer recovery support to clients by sharing life experiences, assisting clients to develop a recovery plan, linking clients with community-based programs supportive of recovery. Peer services may be provided onsite or in the community.

Requirements

Lived experience in mental health, substance use, and criminal justice
Willingness to disclose lived experiences
Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (substance use) or Peer Specialist (mental health)
Familiarity with community based resources and programs related to substance use recovery, housing transportation, child care, food and other supports.
Clean driver’s license
High School Diploma/GED and 2 years work or volunteer experience in a recovery-oriented setting
NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)
At least 1-year volunteer or paid experience working as a Recovery Coach or Provisional CRPA
Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery process
Computer competent
Culturally competent

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate
Experience working with persons with co-occurring mental health issues
Experience in documenting Wellness/Recovery Plans

Responsibilities

Assist clients in developing a Recovery Plan
Maintain communication with the treatment team on behalf of clients
Document delivered peer services in the Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Attend supervision/staff meetings as appropriate
Accompany clients to appointments, as needed
Support program participants in pre-crisis or crisis situations
Teach participants recovery skills, based on shared life experiences
Help participants transition from different levels of care, as needed
Share information with participants about benefits, entitlements, and other supports
Interact with staff, clients, students and visitors in a courteous, professional and respectful manner that is consistent with the agency’s mission and values.
Produce accurate, neat and thorough work.
Prioritize and plan work time efficiently; effectively manage competing demands and deal with changes, delays and unexpected events.
Maintain a good understanding and consistently comply with agency policy and procedures (including time and attendance, dress code, etc…).
Support a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that allows the employee to get along with clients, students, coworkers and supervisors.
Communicate (in writing as well as orally) clearly and concisely
Illustrate flexibility and adaptability in role and function when circumstances warrant; (demonstrates openness to assist in needed responsibilities in evolving situations).
Maintain appropriate boundaries, ethics and professionalism; comply with agency, OASAS and other professional code(s) of ethics; seek supervision when challenges arise.