Peer Specialist I

About the role

We are currently seeking a Peer Specialist for our Intensive Services Unit (ISU). Rapidly after release into the program, the Peer Specialist will assist the Clinical team with conducting Supervision Introduction/Orientation meetings with new participants to review supervision conditions required under the supervision plan. Additionally, the Peer Specialist will work alongside a clinician, together they will assist program participants and focus on delivering proactive field-based direct services and limited coverage at court. The ideal candidate for this role will serve as a reliable support to the ISU team, have great flexibility, creativity and persistence among other dynamic qualities. The Intensive Services Unit initiative will implement innovative approaches to working with individuals who have been placed in the Supervised Release Program and experience more extensive needs and challenges that may impact daily functioning and program engagement. The ideal candidate for this position will work well as part of a coordinated clinical team actively assisting all team members. The group of program participants manage challenges in mental health, substance use, employment, education, and medical health. The team promotes proactive, sustained engagement in the community as a catalyst to individual transformation by bridging participants to community partners and resources eager to support our participants in realizing their greatest potential. The position is located at 159 W. 25th Street, New York, NY 10001, easily accessible by public transportation. Workplace flexibility is offered for partially remote days (e.g., drafting notes at home after morning office/community work).

Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based engagement and supervision services to help participants effectively utilize pretrial services and participate in recovery supports.
• Participate in regularly occurring team meetings and morning “huddles” to review cases collaboratively and inspire ongoing discussion of emerging participant needs and trends.
• Participate in regularly occurring clinical supervision along with clinical partner to identify ongoing needs of assigned participants and establish ongoing plans for aftercare support and permanency.
• Complete all necessary documentation of services provided through regular progress notes and service plan changes in the program database that incorporates all communication with participants.
• Provide linkage and systems navigation support with behavioral health treatment and human services systems to promote participants to address their needs and problems.
• Raise participant awareness of available services, pathways to recovery, and help remove barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and service access.
• Assist participants to select and utilize the things that bring a sense of passion, purpose, and meaning in their lives, coaching participant as they identify barriers to engaging in these activities.
• Assist participants with skills development that guides towards a more independent life.
• Provide peer bridging services as participants make transitions from jail to community and from hospital to community, they can access immediate needs for food, clothing, housing, and support for successful transitions.
• Participate in supervision, case review, staff meetings, and trainings to develop motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, peer support, case management, and self‑help competence.
• Provide services responsive to the race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and criminal legal history of program participants.
• Perform any other duties as required by the Team Leader and other supervisory staff.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent degree.
• Satisfactory completion of