Peer Counselor

Responsibilities

• Provide Peer Counseling on Mental Health and Substance Use issues to our patients.
• Share Peer Counseling expertise with staff of the Mobile Crisis Team.
• Serve as subject matter experts for the staff on the engagement of patients in mental health services.
• Afford support to the MCT, CPEP clinicians in calling for police/EMS backup as needed.
• Participate in a team approach for violence de-escalation/containment in a patient's home, utilizing good communication and social skills.
• Support clerical services (maintains case records), follows up with appropriate referrals, under the direction of the designated program clinicians.
• Works with the CPEP staff to ensure that all patients are connected to services once they leave the CPEP or MCT services.
• Works weekend, evenings, and holidays.
• Attends trainings including PMCS.
• Completes all hospital requirements including OHS, yearly reorientation, Corporate Compliance, Flu shot or declination form, and other requirements.
• Maintain a clean driving record.
• Neither the Hospital nor the Department will be responsible for any DMV violations that are caused by the driver, i.e. speeding, red lights, etc.
• Participates in all surveys and audits as directed by Director, Manager, / Program Coordinator.
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Manager/Program Coordinator or other program clinicians.
• In an emergency, performs other duties necessary for the welfare of patients or the efficient operations of the hospital.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduate or GED required.
• Experience: Minimum two (2) years in a consumer-focused environment, preferably with psychiatric patients.
• Knowledge And Skills: Basic Knowledge of computer data-entry. Basic arithmetic skills (add, multiply, divide, subtract). Good interpersonal skills. Ability to fully utilize BHMC’s electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position as required.
• Licenses, Certifications: Valid New York State Driver’s License and Clean Driving Record. Peer Counseling Certification required.
• Physical Requirements: Position requires prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. Must be physically able to work in all weather and climb minimum four flights of stairs. Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.