Peer Specialist

Center for Alternative•New York, NY

6d•$50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Peer Specialist for our Intensive Services Unit (ISU). Rapidly after release into the program, the Peer Specialist will assist the Clinical team with conducting Supervision Introduction/Orientation meetings with new participants to review supervision conditions required under the supervision plan. Additionally, the Peer Specialist will work alongside a clinician, together they will assist program participants and focus on delivering proactive field-based direct services and limited coverage at court. The ideal candidate for this role will serve as a reliable support to the ISU team, have great flexibility, creativity and persistence among other dynamic qualities. The Intensive Services Unit initiative will implement innovative approaches to working with individuals who have been placed in the Supervised Release Program and experience more extensive needs and challenges that may impact daily functioning and program engagement. The ideal candidate for this position will work well as part of a coordinated clinical team actively assisting all team members. The group of program participants manage challenges in mental health, substance use, employment, education, and medical health. The team promotes proactive, sustained engagement in the community as a catalyst to individual transformation by bridging participants to community partners and resources eager to support our participants in realizing their greatest potential. Shift Hours: This position is full-time Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Salary: The salary for this role is $50,000 Location Address: 4 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027. Our office is easily accessible by public transportation. Workplace Flexibility: Flexible - For roles that have days that can be partially remote, e.g., being able to draft notes at home after going to the office/community in the morning

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalency degree
Satisfactory completion of a recognized Peer Training program with externship experience preferable
Minimum of one year experience providing peer services in a social services program, providing direct services to individuals, families and/or groups, preferably in a fieldbased setting
Knowledge of community-based resources and support services for vulnerable individuals
Highly motivated self-starter, able to translate goals into action and deliver successful outcomes
Candidates who are justice-impacted or identify as having lived experience in various support systems are encouraged to apply

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Coach (CARC) or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) strongly preferred
Experience with forensic, legal system or field-based mobile treatment teams strongly preferred
Experience working with individuals involved in the criminal legal system

Responsibilities

Conduct field-based engagement and supervision services to help participants effectively utilize pretrial services and participate in recovery supports
Participate in regularly occurring team meetings and morning “huddles” to review cases collaboratively and inspire ongoing discussion of emerging participant needs and trends
Participate in regularly occurring clinical supervision along with clinical partner to identify ongoing needs of assigned participants and establish ongoing plans for aftercare support and permanency
Complete all necessary documentation of services provided through regular progress notes and service plan changes in the program database that incorporates all communication with participants
Provide linkage and systems navigation support with behavioral health treatment and human services systems to promote participants to address their needs and problems
Raise participant awareness of available services, pathways to recovery, and help remove barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and service access
Assist participants to select and utilize the things that bring a sense of passion, purpose, and meaning in their lives, coaching participant as they identify barriers to engaging in these activities
Assist participants with skills development that guides towards a more independent life
Provide peer bridging services as participants make transitions from jail to community and from hospital to community, they can access immediate needs for food, clothing, housing, and support for successful transitions
Participate in supervision, case review, staff meetings, and trainings to develop motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, peer support, case management, and selfhelp competence
Provide services responsive to the race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and criminal legal history of program participants
Any other duties as required by the Team Leader and other supervisory staff