Peer Specialist, Bronx HOPE

Center for Justice Innovation•Bronx, NY

3d•$52,000 - $54,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies: Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges; Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond. Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide. Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org . THE OPPORTUNITY The Center for Justice Innovation if offering a unique opportunity to support two initiatives. Bronx Community Solutions is seeking a Peer Specialist to provide extensive outreach to program participants and treatment providers to help coordinate communication and program completion. The Peer Specialist will work as a community-based peer outreach coach to inform and connect individuals to Bronx HOPE, provide Narcan training and education, coordinate the treatment referral process, and engage new participants to ensure successful case completion and recovery goals. Reporting to the Senior Program Manager of Bronx HOPE, the Peer Specialist will participate in a special project with the HOPE team and the NYPD. They will learn and provide outreach and engagement to community residents, connecting individuals to services and offering support and guidance. In addition, the Peer Specialist will provide and train on how to use Narcan, support the treatment referral process and observe initial assessment to ensure timely and responsive participant engagement and outcomes. In collaboration with stakeholders, the Peer Specialist will also be stationed in different court parts to provide intervention services to satisfy their efforts to engage participants to ensure successful case completion.

Requirements

A high school diploma and at least 2 years of relevant experience
Must have experience with integrated substance abuse assessment and treatment, motivational interviewing techniques, and stage-wise treatment
Valid Driver's License required
Experience using Microsoft Office programs, particularly Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook (for regular e-mail correspondence)
Knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction

Nice To Haves

CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) preferred
Bilingual (English Spanish) preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with NYPD to respond to precinct-level arrests to meet with potential HOPE participants at Bronx Precincts
Engage individuals who are arrested for controlled substance and motivate them to seek treatment, harm reduction, and/or recovery support assistance
Coordinate and facilitate individual education that is responsive to the specific interests and needs of the individual, which may include a focus on treatment, harm reduction, and/or relapse prevention
Contact and coordinate with case management team to facilitate entry into harm reduction or substance abuse treatment based on the level of care determination
Coordinate referrals and follow up with participants as needed
Provide crisis intervention and support to program participants as needed
Administer and provide training on use of Narcan
Conduct street outreach in the Bronx and surrounding communities to engage individuals around substance use, harm reduction and the HOPE program’s offerings
Facilitate harm reduction and Narcan workshops at Bronx Community Solutions’ office
Accurately and efficiently document client interactions
Send electronic assessments and reports to the HOPE team in a timely and accurate fashion
Operate company vehicle in the community for community outreach and immediate client engagement and drive participants to referred services when needed
Help with loading and replenishment of materials needed in the vehicle
Attend team meetings, supervision, trainings and perform other administrative duties as required
Complete additional relevant tasks, as needed
Station in the Bronx Community Solutions office or Bronx County Criminal Court to meet with potential participants
Engage individuals who are in court after an arrest to offer support and connection to appropriate programming
Provide crisis intervention and support to program participants as needed in collaboration with the case management team, service providers and identified family and/or friends of the participant
Provide location support by traveling with participants to appointments and assisting participant with transportation to crisis services
Use lived experience and be comfortable serving as a role model of personal recovery to connect with members and support them in their goals
Ability to communicate accurately, empathically and under time constraints
Comfort working and collaborating with law enforcement and court staff
Additional tasks as necessary

Benefits

The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA.
We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans.
We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

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