Certified Peer Specialist
Description
Location: Mt. Vernon, NY
M-F 9 am to 5 pm
Rate of Pay: Provisional $25.75 and Full Certification $27.75
CRPA or Peer Certification Required and Drivers License
OVERVIEW OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:
The Peer Specialist/Recovery Peer Advocate works primarily in community settings, including participants’ homes, to provide advocacy, outreach, recovery, and crisis support for adults in substance use and mental health recovery. The role focuses on empowering participants to regain independence, develop relapse-prevention strategies, and strengthen their personal recovery process through supportive peer counseling and connection to community resources
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
- Support a high-performing culture aligned with core values and B.A.S.I.C. Tenets: Balance, Accountability, Satisfaction, Inclusion, and Communication.
- Complete assessments, service plans, and case notes in accordance with program requirements.
- Provide peer services and psychosocial rehabilitation through regular meetings in participants’ homes, communities, and office settings.
- Offer counseling and skill-building in coping strategies, relapse prevention, wellness management, and social skills to support independence.
- Teach and reinforce independent living skills.
- Assist participants in maintaining stable housing.
- Connect participants with appropriate community resources.
- Collaborate with participants’ natural support systems and treatment providers to ensure coordinated care.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL / ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT:
- Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program and organizational goals.
QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:
- Certification or Provisional Certification as Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate required.
- Strong written and computer skills for timely and accurate documentation in electronic reporting systems.
- Ability to effectively use video and conference call technology.
- Personal lived experience with mental illness or substance use, with willingness to share experiences to support others.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and foster hope.
- Knowledge of Westchester County and ability to navigate local resources.
- Valid NYS Driver’s License and ability to operate agency vehicles preferred.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience in peer support, counseling, or community-based behavioral health services strongly desired.
- Demonstrated history of recovery and ability to model recovery-oriented principles.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position, which are reviewed in each case.
- Must be capable to access all rooms in a 2-story home
- Able to work in open space floor plan
- Must be capable to move throughout work day
- Occasional lifting of > _25+ pounds
EOE
IND2024