Peer Support Specialist

Core Responsibilities

• Support clients presenting to CHBS in their admission process through the duration of their enrollment in mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment.
• Relate to the client as an advocate for their treatment services.
• Advocate within systems to promote coordination of care and person-centered recovery.
• Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
• Use a person centered approach.
• Serve as a role model to clients.
• Educate through shared experiences.
• Establish appropriate respectful peer relationships.
• Mentor clients in areas that support recovery such as effective communication, self-care, self-advocacy, conflict resolution.
• Lead educational and support groups for clients.
• Participate in the clinical treatment team model, to include informing treatment planning and promoting individualized goals.
• Adhere to all defined role responsibility and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.
• Provide data to CHBS leadership on services provided on a monthly basis.
• Comply with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• A High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or NYS Certified Peer Specialist or provisional status to be attained within 90-days of employment and full certification to be attained within NYS Certification Board recognized by OMH and/or OASAS.
• Identify as being actively in recovery for at least one-year from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one’s recovery journey and be able to submit three letters of reference to the NYS Certification Board to support application for Certified Peer Specialist of Advocate.
• Attest to the respective Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct for Peer Specialists or Advocate.
• Previous experience working with individuals with complex substance use and mental health needs.
• A valid NYS Driver’s License-travel is required.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
• Direct Deposit
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retailment Plan 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)