Peer Support Counselor

Accessible Resources for Independence•Easton, MD

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Peer Support Counselor - Nursing Facility Transition and Outreach - Upper Eastern Shore, Maryland. This position is open until filled, with a need to fill it as soon as possible. Individuals with disabilities and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Accessible Resources for Independence, Inc. (ARI), a Center for Independent Living, is a nonprofit organization created by and for people with disabilities. ARI promotes independent living and equal access for people with all types of disabilities by assisting residents in using community services and resources to enhance their independence. ARI’s core services include peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, information and referral, transition support, and independent living skills training. Our mission is to maximize the independence of people with disabilities so they enjoy self-directed, productive lives.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities.
Strong desire to support people to lead the lives they choose.
Experience in goal development.
Ability to research, use and build community resources and partnerships.
Tracking of case notes and excellent attention to details.
Skilled in problem solving.
Ability to follow through on tasks.
Good typing and computer skills.
Understand the history and commitment to the philosophy of Independent Living.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must have a disability or personal experience (non-professional) with disability issues and comparable work experience.
Ability to manage a varied workload.
Ability to travel throughout Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Cecil counties.

Nice To Haves

Preference for individuals who have moved from a nursing facility or are in the transition stage of doing so.
A strong belief in the independent living philosophy along with life experience with disability and community living or the equivalent.

Responsibilities

Monthly visits to nursing facilities.
Building relationships with nursing facility residents, family/representatives, local Ombudsman’s, and staff.
Acting as a resource on community living and the transition process.
Identifying services that benefit individuals with disabilities moving back to community life.
Developing goals with the resident and/or their representative.
Attending pertinent meetings/events at nursing facilities to build connections with residents, their families, supporters, or staff.
Deliver resource materials and talk with residents about community living possibilities.
Build relationships with staff at the nursing facilities.
Keep accurate records.