Peer Respite Worker, ICR

Position Overview

The Peer Respite Worker develops mentoring and supportive relationships with ICR guests, promoting connection and hope, and utilizes the stabilizing routines of the home-like environment to deescalate crisis and promote recovery-oriented practices. The Peer Respite Worker engages guests in individual and group-based peer support services to identify and develop crisis-management skills, addressing questions and fears, while building self-advocacy and systems-navigation skills. The Peer Respite Workers collaborate with the full ICR team to promote a welcoming, home-like atmosphere, and conduct group activities that foster connection, mutual understanding, and wellness.

Key Performance Indicators

• Assigned guests will have at least one progress note per day demonstrating appropriate, service goal-driven peer support.
• All progress notes are written and entered into AWARDS within 48 hours of the meeting.
• Service Plans for assigned guests completed within 24 hours of admission.

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access
• Have lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully
• Ability to be mindfully present and have a respect for, and a high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening, responding
• Commitment to recovery orientated practice and the ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery
• Resourceful and knowledgeable of community resource and services
• Graduate of core peer specialist training program and willingness to participate in/successful completion of all required training, with ability to integrate skills, knowledge and approach into work with guests
• Acquisition of NYS Peer Certification, at least at Provisional level within 90days of hire (preferably attained) with a commitment to achieve permanent certification within one year of hire
• Desirable to have work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model
• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred
• Ability to speak other relevant languages is a strong asset
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the Office of Mental Health (OMH)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to set priorities and manage multiple and competing tasks
• Show initiative, and be responsible for follow through
• Maintain confidentiality, as related to position
• Ability to walk up several flights of stairs
• Ability to work in the field (using public transportation)
• Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems
• Available to work evening, night, weekends and cover holidays as assigned

Desirable Skills

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Equal Opportunity Employer

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.