Peer Specialist

Center for Alternative•New York, NY

1d•$54,636 - $54,636•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Specialist works with Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), a program providing comprehensive services to adults age 18 and older with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and histories of criminal legal system involvement. FACT uses a mobile, multidisciplinary team to deliver individualized treatment, rehabilitation, case management, and support services that help clients pursue recovery and build stability in the community. Drawing on lived experience, the Peer Specialist supports ACT clients’ recovery goals, overall community stability, and life-skills development. The role provides peer support and wellness counseling, coordinates with clients’ support networks and other service providers, advocates for access to resources, and participates in rotating on-call crisis intervention. Services are delivered using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and person-centered approaches. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for 35 hours per week excluding breaks. The salary is $54,636. The work location is 2090 Adam Clayton, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10027, with flexible arrangements that may allow some work to be done remotely, such as drafting notes at home after office or community work.

Requirements

Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, or eligibility to obtain certification within six months of hire.
At least two years of work experience providing peer support to individuals with serious mental illness and criminal justice involvement.
High school diploma.
Lived experience using mental health treatment and/or substance use treatment services.
Proficiency with computers and electronic health records.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a recognized peer specialist training program, such as the Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Center Peer Specialist Program.
Spanish-speaking ability.
Previous criminal justice experience; individuals with this experience are eligible.

Responsibilities

Attend and participate in daily team meetings to discuss clients’ clinical and case management issues and needs.
Complete documentation required by NYS Office of Mental Health and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene licensing guidelines, NYS Medicaid billing guidelines, and CASES ACT policies and procedures.
Use motivational interviewing, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approaches to address clients’ housing, income support, education and vocational training, social support, employment, and primary care needs.
Involve clients’ identified support networks and other service providers to coordinate services effectively.
Provide individual peer support, wellness counseling, and harm reduction counseling using motivational interviewing and a person-centered approach.
Advocate for clients and act as a liaison regarding income support and access to resources that support service-plan goals.
Provide 24-hour crisis intervention on-call services on a rotating basis.
Provide culturally competent services in accordance with CASES policies and practice.