Peer Specialist-On TrackNY

Reports To: Team Leader

Program: OnTrackNY

Location: Yonkers (Hybrid may be available based on program needs)

Hours per week: 35

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $23-24 per hour

Join Us! Join us at Greater Mental Health of New York, where our mission is to promote mental wellness through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We empower individuals and families on their unique journeys to recovery, honoring their rights to self-determination, choice, and collaboration. With evidence-based practices and a focus on trauma-responsive care, our dedicated team provides comprehensive services to thousands and fosters independence and resilience within our community. If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health and creating brighter futures for individuals and families throughout the Lower Hudson Valley region, apply today!

Benefits Summary

Summary Description:

The Peer Specialist will provide direct peer support services to participants, contribute to treatment team planning, and assist with outreach and transitional care efforts in community and hospital settings. Most importantly, the Peer Specialist will draw upon their own lived experience to help develop and maintain the program's culture of respect and focus on the participant's potential for achieving recovery. The Specialist will support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values, including the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making, and collaboration. When possible, the Peer Specialist will utilize evidence-based practices, always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

Responsibilities: 

• The Peer Specialist will use their personal recovery story to instill hope and demonstrate goal attainment.
• Enhance initial outreach, engagement, and retention efforts to help participants and families stay connected to the program.
• Assist in engagement and retention activities to promote optimum involvement with the team, including helping the team to maintain a youth-focused, recovery-oriented approach to outreach before and after participants enroll in the program.
• Providing concrete and social supports to clients and families through case management, helping to support participants' efforts towards returning to school or work.
• Helping individuals understand psychosis and develop and practice skills to help with illness management (individually or in groups).
• Aiding participants and families as they transition from Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services.
• Helping to shape the team's culture to one that promotes person-centered, recovery-focused, strengths-based service delivery.
• Follow the established policies & procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional standards.
• Other related duties.

Competencies: 

• The individual must have a strong ability to use their own personal lived experience to connect with and relate to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) participants, particularly around challenges associated with a chronic mental health condition.
• Should have a demonstrated ability to relate well to adults.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to, and effectively work with participants of mental health services.
• Two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or participant-run organizations or similar experiences or programs.
• Ability/ willingness to disclose their recovery story (where appropriate) for empowerment.
• Excellent judgment/ ability to understand boundaries when working with participants of mental health services.
• Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record (EHR). 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 

Requirements: 

• Must hold State certification as a Peer Specialist, OR ability to obtain provisional certification within 6 months and standard certification within 12 months of being hired.
• Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality standards as promulgated by the state (OMH, OASAS, DOH) and federal government (SAMHSA and 42CFR).
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems. 
• Basic Computer knowledge and ability to document in an electronic health record is required.
• Proficiency in English includes skills in reading, writing, and speaking.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required. 
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Special Considerations:

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report. 

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.