Peer Specialist - Staten Island

About the role

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is committed to providing peer recovery, person-centered, trauma informed, and compassionate services to those with mental health lived experience.

Our vision is to drive a cultural transformation within the mental health community by advocating for the underserved, educating for change, and inspiring wellness. We approach our role with cultural humility and mindfulness of oppressive systems.

Our core values:

• We value a mentoring philosophy delivered from staff with peer lived experiences.
• We value the recovery journey of every individual with a mental health diagnosis.
• We value the personal and professional experiences of our staff and board members.
• We value community action to change societal views to break the stigma of mental health through advocacy within all systems.
• We value everyone's desire to have opportunities to obtain their visions of wellness.

Qualifications

• Peer Specialist candidates must be current or former recipients of mental health services.
• Good office skills are required.
• Some experience or training in Peer Advocacy is required.
• Basic knowledge of Self‑Help Techniques and the ability to be patient and supportive with consumers.
• Knowledge of the Community Mental Health System is a plus.
• Basic phone and computer skills are needed.
• Ability to complete required paperwork.
• High School Diploma or equivalent, or APS (Academy of Peer Services) certification, or submission of application for certification within 6 months of hire.
• Peer advocacy candidates must also be current or former recipients of mental health services, with the same experience/training, self‑help knowledge, patience/supportiveness, and community mental health system knowledge as above.
• Internet savvy with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Model and promote the principles of recovery/self‑help.
• Advocate for participant civil rights and liberties.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to this position (including HIPAA understanding).
• Provide mental health services within the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and offer linkages/referrals to such services.
• Provide comprehensive support for employment acquisition and requested educational assistance.
• Maintain face‑to‑face/direct services and an ongoing caseload.
• Facilitate activities (groups, etc.) that promote all services.
• Maintain a formal office area organized to promote services.
• Promote empowerment, self‑advocacy, and self‑esteem through sharing real‑world experiences.
• Provide as much “hands‑on” assistance as possible when asked or clearly needed.
• Advocate for other needed services and assist participants to negotiate other service systems.
• Provide information about entitlements and accompany participants to government offices when needed.
• Work collaboratively with other organizations and promote positive interagency relationships.
• Document all services delivered to participants according to agency policies.
• Gain proficiency with the Acclaim (Foothold) database program within a reasonable time.
• Enter information into the database timely and accurately.
• Maintain administrative, program, and participant records in a complete and organized manner consistent with applicable policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Submit accurate and timely reports as requested by agency management (e.g., Monthly Log summary, DOHMH and OMH reports).
• Participate in ongoing trainings to enhance growth and skill development.
• Perform office, program, and agency duties as required.
• Participate in Advocacy and Recovery‑based events.

Skills

• Office skills
• Peer advocacy experience or training
• Basic knowledge of Self‑Help Techniques
• Patience and supportive attitude toward consumers
• Knowledge of the Community Mental Health System (preferred)
• Basic phone and computer proficiency
• Ability to complete required paperwork
• High School Diploma or equivalent; APS certification or pending application
• Internet savvy, Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers to handle, feel, or manipulate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID‑19 and having received a booster shot. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition or religious exemption that contraindicates a COVID