Peer Specialist

Center for Alternative•New York, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Manhattan newSTART (short term alternatives and referral to treatment), is an alternative to incarceration program for individuals at high risk of criminal recidivism diverted from the Manhattan Criminal Court. Manhattan newSTART support individuals diverted from the Manhattan Criminal Court who are at high risk for criminal recidivism. The Peer Specialist facilitates groups using standard curriculum, provides individual rehabilitation support to engage participants in brief intervention substance use services, cognitive behavioral groups, peer support, employment and vocational training needs in community resources. The Peer Specialist provides services within the framework of the core principles of recovery, self-determination and public safety.

Requirements

High school degree with related work experience.
Participant or graduate of a recognized peer specialist training program such as the Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Center Forensic Peer Specialist Program, Academy for Peer Services, or Recovery Coach Academy (NYCPS, NYCPS-P, CRPA, CRPA-P).
Must be a mental health consumer or a person in recovery from SUD with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system. As an individual in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse the peer must be willing to utilize his/her recovery experience to engage and support alternatives to incarceration participants.
Strong knowledge of wellness, recovery and self-help.
Effective communication and written skills are essential.
Proficiency with computer and databases.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Engagement of participants enrolled in ATI services.
Assess the needs and identify of appropriate services (mental health, substance use, health, education, employment self-help).
Provide linkage to income support and health insurance (Medicaid).
Progress note writing in electronic record and computer literacy.
Delivery of gender specific services.
Plan and deliver intensive case management and peer support services that address risk factors for criminal recidivism.
Knowledge of how and when to use self-disclosure as an intentional strategy to support participant engagement and recovery.
Knowledge of how to provide crisis intervention services and know how to intervene during a crisis.
Complete participant admission into CASES’ database and complete letters and progress reports to ensure information is received by defense attorneys, judges, and prosecutors.
Understand the legal framework of ATI and the compliance issues related to community supervision.
Understand and deliver culturally competent services.
Advocacy skills – supporting participants to navigate and access housing, income support, treatment, medical care, civil legal services, self-help and other community services and supports.
How to empower participants to know their rights and responsibilities and to utilize procedures to ensure their rights are protected.
Knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques when providing services.
Learn how to address risk factors for criminal recidivism to support participants to achieve recovery goals.
Knowledge of recovery principles and use Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) as a strategy and intervention to support participants to learn how to manage recovery from mental illness and substance use problems.
Help ensure we maintain a safe working environment by reporting any hazards or unsafe conditions, e.g., liquid spill in hallway, to the appropriate facilities staff member or supervisor.