Respite Specialist

Services For The Underserved, Inc.•New York, NY

59d

About The Position

SCOPE OF ROLE:The Respite Specialist will work in the provision of hospital diversion model providing temporary services including residential/respite care so clients can stay in a warm, friendly, safe, and supportive home-like environment where they are taught to use new recovery and relapse preventions kills. This is achieved through 24-hour peer support, self-advocacy education, self-help training, and mutual understanding.

Requirements

1 year work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model
Must have lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully
Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery

Nice To Haves

Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel preferred
Graduate of core peer specialist training program preferred
A respect for, and high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis preferred
Exceptional written and oral communication skills including empathic listening, responding preferred
Billingual English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Develop a partnership with guests experiencing crisis utilizing trauma-informed, recovery oriented, intentional peer support,
Promote the provision of a safe, comfortable, secure and trusting environment where guests are listened to and respected by staff
Practice the Need Adapted Treatment Model (NATM) and Intentional Peer Support (IPS) after completing training provided as part of the Parachute NYC grant
Draw on knowledge and skills acquired from personal experience with the mental health system with a focus on guest’s personal recovery process
Create a sense of community through the mutual sharing of lived experiences and offers encouragement and support to participate in daily activities within the CRC and community
Assist with pre-registration process for both individuals referred from NA-MCT (Need Adapted Mobile Crisis Team) and those who self-refer (respite-only guests)
Assist with intake and registration of new guests, including an explanation of services and expectations, a tour of the premises, introduction to other staff and guests
Assist and collaborate with other Parachute NYC staff when appropriate to help guests identify, plan for and realize short-term personal goals and priorities while in the CRC
Facilitate individual and group-based educational, recovery, wellness and skill building opportunities including: wellness self-management; WRAP; peer support; harm reduction; and other social or leisure activities
Follow-up with guests to monitor and support progress toward goal-achievement
Advocates for and facilitate access to needed health care services, proactively addressing potential barriers such as missed appointments, transportation, fear and stigma, and communication with professional staff
Assist guests with steps required to prepare their own meals, manage their own medication, take care of their physical needs and participate in the maintenance of a clean-living environment
Responsible for timely and accurate documentation including documentation of interactions with guests, services provided, critical information and events, contacts with collaterals and referrals, as required by SUS policies and Parachute NYC
Provide household upkeep duties as needed
Serve daily cold breakfast for guests and assist guests with accessing snacks, when needed
Encourage guest participation in relevant aspects of documentation process
Participates in data collection and recording related to outcomes, research and other agency and grant-based priorities
Participate in supervision, team meetings, interagency meetings, case conferences, NA-MCT meetings, and other relevant meetings as required by SUS and Parachute NYC
Provides flexible evening, night, weekend and holiday coverage