Peer Specialist

Behavioral Health Services North Inc•Town of Queensbury, NY

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides engagement, support, and advocacy to individuals in both community and office-based settings as a collaborative member of the clinic team. Responsibilities include assisting with risk assessments, brief interventions, care coordination, and follow-up support following crisis situations or clinical appointments. As designated by the Program Director, this role may include training and supervising other staff. Peer Specialists are expected to demonstrate compassion, respect, and high-quality care in every interaction, in alignment with BHSN’s core values. Assigned programs may include, but are not limited to: Outpatient behavioral health clinics, School-based mental health services, Crisis response teams, Substance use treatment programs, Rehabilitative support services. Note: Per New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) credentialing standards, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including lived experience and an age requirement at the time of credentialing. For more information, refer to the OMH Youth Peer Advocate Credentialing Guidelines at https://www.omh.ny.gov/

Requirements

Must be eligible for or possess current New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Peer Specialists/Advocates certification; if not yet certified, must obtain within 90 days of employment.
To be eligible for the Peer Specialists/Advocates certification through the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), applicants must:
Be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time application, as required by OMH credentialing standards.
Self-identify as someone with lived experience in navigating mental health, substance use, developmental, medical, or behavioral health challenges during their youth.
Have personal experience with one or more child-serving systems in New York State (i.e. foster care, juvenile justice, special education, mental health, substance use, etc.).
Must complete OMH Partnering for Safety training and CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
Proficiency in using computers, Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Personal experience with recovery-oriented services and peer support
Experience using electronic medical records systems

Responsibilities

Provide peer support to individuals engaged in behavioral health or recovery services
Help identify and promote safe, inclusive community-based activities to encourage social engagement
Foster connection and trust with individuals during treatment and recovery processes
Assist in delivering evidence-based interventions, as directed by the clinical team
Support the creation and implementation of individual safety or wellness plans
Educate individuals on their rights under the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), as needed
Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, and training sessions
Maintain awareness of Crisis Team procedures, agency policies, and applicable regulations
Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards
Collaborate with the care team in planning and coordination of meetings
Engage individuals in immediate crisis to help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits or inpatient admissions
Contribute to quality assurance and performance improvement activities
Work collaboratively with other providers, rehabilitation staff, and support teams
Maintain strict confidentiality of all protected health information (PHI)
Promote client self-determination, growth, and recovery
Assist in onboarding and training of new peer staff as assigned
Maintain flexible availability to meet program needs, including evenings or weekends
Perform other duties as assigned