Peer Specialist

Open Door Family Medical Center•Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

19d

About The Position

Open Door Care Network is seeking a Peer Specialist for its Hastings location. The Peer Specialist is a non-clinical support and encouragement professional trained through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board. Drawing on lived experience, the specialist engages potential clients in the Family Mental Health clinics and supports them in developing and sustaining skills and coping mechanisms. The role provides peer support and education in conjunction with clients’ established treatment-plan goals, offers support during crises, and contributes as a member of a treatment team that includes a Mental Health Clinician and may include a psychiatric prescriber. The Peer Specialist works individually and in groups with adults, children, and families to promote resiliency and growth. This non-traditional position requires flexibility in responding to client needs and use of a personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursement. The specialist works under the direction of a Licensed Clinician, who approves and signs all documentation. Engagement commonly takes place in clients’ homes or communities, with telehealth used as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
OMH NY Certification as a Peer Specialist or Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C) is required within 90 days of employment.
Experience as a person with a mental health condition, substance use history, and/or personal trauma and recovery history, or as a parent of a child who has navigated the mental health sector.
Valid New York State driver license and daily access to a car.
Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening and clear oral communication.
Strong writing and reading skills.
Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions.
Highly organized and self-directed, with the ability to multitask.
Proficient computer use, including Microsoft Office applications.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
Effective problem-solving, sound judgment, and ability to prioritize.
Flexible and able to adapt as situations evolve.
Strong customer service and patient-centered orientation.
Engaging, warm, caring, empathetic, and driven to assist patients.

Nice To Haves

College degree.
OMH NY Certification as a Peer Specialist or Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C) upon hire.
Experience with electronic medical records.

Responsibilities

Work with the client’s established clinician to empower the client to advocate for themselves.
Meet with clients in their homes, community settings, or the clinic.
Work with clients and their significant support systems on agreed-upon goals, such as skill building and coping functions.
Document all client contact in the electronic health record.
Maintain regular contact with other treatment-team members and participate in weekly supervision.
Provide engagement in clients’ homes or communities, using telehealth as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.