Peer Specialist

Westhab Inc.•New York, NY

3d•$35,000 - $40,000

About The Position

Provides direct mental health services to persistently mentally ill (SPMI) recipients in a residential setting. Serves as a role model for recipients and educates them on self-help techniques and self-help group process; teaches them effective coping strategies, sometimes based on personal experience; assists them in clarifying their goals for rehabilitation and recovery; and helps them to develop community, family and peer support systems.

Requirements

Demonstrated interpersonal communications skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to, and effectively work with recipients of mental health services.
Two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs.
Experience in crisis intervention techniques and strength-based interventions.
Requires travel throughout The Bronx and Manhattan.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Requires afternoon, evening and weekend hours.
Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary.
Word and Excel proficiency a must.

Responsibilities

Assists recipients in the development and application of personalized coping skills by helping recipients identify and practice individualized skills to deal with their psychiatric symptoms.
Assists recipients in identifying their own individual warning signs of relapse and in identifying and developing specific, individual coping strategies.
Assists recipients in developing a crisis plan and crisis management skills.
Helps recipients develop assertiveness and communications skills in order to facilitate their active participation in the treatment planning process.
Assists recipients in carrying out tasks defined in their support plans.
Assists recipients to define individualized rehabilitation goals.
Teaches recipients skills in daily living, learning, working, socializing, recreating, parenting, and/or other skills, which are relevant to the individual's rehabilitation goals.
Documents activities for each recipient in accordance with agency and funder guidelines and procedures.
Provides crisis intervention and stabilization as needed. May require some after hour’s follow-up to emergency situations.
Contributes to monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
Attends all relevant community/service provider meetings.
Other duties as required.