Peer Support Specialist, OnTrack

Northern Rivers Family of Services • Albany, NY

4d • $24 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist works as part of an OnTrackNY team with program participants, family members, and other team members. The role uses lived experience to contribute to treatment planning and support participants’ recovery. It reports to the Director of OnTrack and is performed on-site, with travel required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• New York Peer Specialist Certification (NYCPS); a provisional Peer Certificate is acceptable, but full certification must be obtained within one year of employment.
• New York State driver's license.
• No prior related work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Use a personal recovery story and selective self-disclosure about lived experience to instill hope and demonstrate goal attainment, while keeping the focus on participants’ needs.
• Enhance outreach, engagement, and retention efforts to help participants and families stay connected to the program.
• Support engagement and retention activities and help maintain a youth-focused, recovery-oriented approach to outreach before and after enrollment.
• Help individuals understand psychosis and develop and practice illness-management skills, individually or in groups.
• Use interpersonal communication and empathy to relate to and work with participants of mental health services.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain appropriate boundaries with participants and colleagues.
• Participate in community awareness and stigma-reduction activities related to recovery.
• Participate in team outreach and recruitment, build relationships with community providers, and convey the spirit of OnTrackNY.
• Provide concrete and social supports to clients and families through case management, including supporting participants’ efforts to return to school or work.
• Aid participants and families as they transition from OnTrackNY services.
• Attend weekly in-person team meetings and consultation calls and trainings with OnTrackNY Central offices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health care package
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay
• 401(k) plan
• Life insurance
• Loan repayment assistance
• Free training and CEU opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED