Peer Counselor Level I

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists the consumer with activities of daily living (e.g., setting-up household, public transportation, budgeting, shopping, socializing, parenting and other skills relevant to an individual’s rehabilitation goals). May make home visits.
• Leads or co-leads groups including, but not limited to, dual diagnoses issues, relapse and recovery and socialization.
• Affords support to the consumer in identifying their own individual warning signs of relapse and identifying and developing individual coping strategies.
• Provides supportive peer counseling with respect to mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies, breast-feeding education and other self-help opportunities.
• Participates in an interdisciplinary treatment and human services team in determining and implementing a comprehensive plan of care.
• Clarifies issues for the consumer and assists with the process of referral for treatment, rehabilitation, housing and supportive services. Follows-up to determine whether services were provided and used.
• Affords assistance to the consumer in completing applications and paperwork for public entitlements and may accompany the consumer on visits to agency offices and treatment programs.
• Acts as a liaison with community and governmental agencies.
• Facilitates the establishment of peer support networks, natural and social support systems.
• Maintains current, complete and appropriate documentation in the consumer record, prepares required forms, and may be required to use computer systems in carrying out these functions. Documents in Electronic Health Record (EHR) and writes progress notes for review.

Minimum Qualifications

• For Assignments in Mental Health: Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Counselor/Specialist Training Program; and Certification as a Peer Specialist (NYCPS) issued by the Peer Specialist Certification Board.
• For Assignments in Substance Use: Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) issued by the New York Certification Board.
• For all other Assignments: A High school diploma or its educational equivalent; and Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Counselor/Specialist Training Program; or One (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of mental health services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retail Savings and Pension Plans
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• College Savings Program
• Union Benefits for eligible titles
• Multiple employee discounts programs
• Commuter Benefits Programs

How To Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply for Job" button.