Peer Support Specialist

HealthFirst•New York, NY

10d•$40,200 - $54,570

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is a member of the Behavioral Health Care Management Team who uses lived experience to model recovery and support Healthfirst members experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders. The role supports person-centered care by identifying resources, linking members to services, and helping them build the skills needed to navigate the health care system. The PSS collaborates with members’ support systems and interdisciplinary treatment teams to encourage engagement, empower members, and reduce barriers to change. The PSS encourages recovery planning and may administer questionnaires, retrieve documentation, facilitate contact with a Healthfirst Care Manager for additional assessments, and provide translation services when needed and able. The role includes community-based visits with members, including hospital, facility, and home visits throughout downstate New York, as well as telephonic support.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Certification or Provisional Certification as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate.
Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload and work effectively within a team in a fast-paced environment.
Work experience requiring effective communication and engagement skills, as well as healthy boundary-setting.
Proficient computer skills, including a solid understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to travel around downstate New York, including the five boroughs, Long Island, Orange County, and Westchester.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and one or more languages; Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese is highly preferred.
Prior experience in a field-based health care role; home-visit experience is a plus.
Experience using health information systems to document and/or retrieve information.
Experience with geriatric or other at-risk populations, including their caregivers.
Experience in hospital or facility discharge planning.
Experience managing member information in a shared network environment using paperless database modules and archival systems.
Familiarity with areas of NYC, Long Island, and/or lower Westchester.
A valid New York State driver's license or ID.

Responsibilities

Manage a designated caseload of members who may benefit from peer support, care coordination, and health navigation.
Schedule and conduct multiple field-based visits per day, clustered by geographic area.
Complete assessments and questionnaires to identify barriers and opportunities for intervention.
Make outreach calls and receive member calls about benefits, care coordination, program inquiries, and connection to care managers when not in the field.
Generate referrals to providers, community-based resources, services, and other resources that support members’ goals and health outcomes.
Liaise with doctors, social workers, discharge planners, and community-based providers to coordinate care and address care needs.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary health care team to ensure members’ care needs are addressed in care plans and treatment remains person-centered.
Support corporate goals through ongoing execution of member care plans, member goal achievement, and coordination with local supports.
Document encounters with providers, members, and vendors in appropriate systems in accordance with documentation procedures.
Work occasional overtime as necessary.
Perform additional duties as assigned.