LEAD Peer Specialist

Job Summary

LEAD is an innovative and nation-wide model that focuses on engagement and building relationships through intensive, street-based case management. LEAD creates a low-barrier system of care designed to divert individuals with unmet behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and to services and supports that address their needs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide peer outreach, direction, and support.
• Provide opportunities for formal and informal peer support among participants.
• Organize and facilitate community events and experiences for participants.
• Aid LEAD team with participant engagement and suggest ways to engage reluctant or declining participants.
• Help participants identify needed services and assist with connecting them to those services, including scheduling appointments.
• Transport participants to services and provide support during appointments via agency vehicle.
• Advocate for participants.
• Conduct outreach, make follow-ups, and complete service plans for participants in the maintenance stage.
• Attend Operation Work group (OWG) and other community-based meetings as scheduled.
• Engage in policies and procedures related to managing crisis situations in the community, such as contacting Helpline, Mobile crisis team, the police, and/or utilizing the Dutchess County Stabilization Center.
• Facilitate diversion referrals at City of Poughkeepsie Court and meet with participants in attendance.

Requirements

• Experience engaging individuals with complex needs, including substance use disorder, mental and physical health concerns, homelessness, and trauma.
• Comfortable working with individuals who are actively using.
• Familiarity with and ability to support harm reduction strategies.
• Ability to work effectively on a team and in collaboration with law enforcement.
• Focus on person-centered and trauma-informed care.
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to conduct street outreach and work in the community outside of an office setting.
• Lived experience with behavioral health challenges, along with strong personal awareness.
• Certification as a NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) is preferred, but not required.
• Driver’s license and ability to be insured, as well as passing background checks and clearances.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must demonstrate/possess:

• Experience engaging individuals with complex needs, including substance use disorder, mental and physical health concerns, homelessness, and trauma.
• Comfortable working with individuals who are actively using.
• Familiarity with and ability to support harm reduction strategies.
• Ability to work effectively on a team and in collaboration with law enforcement.
• Focus on person-centered and trauma-informed care.
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to conduct street outreach and work in the community outside of an office setting.
• Lived experience with behavioral health challenges, along with strong personal awareness.