Peer Recovery Specialist-Rockland, NY bei undefined

 Reports To: Reach One Supervisor
 Program: Reach One
 Location: Rockland, NY
 Hours Per Week: 35
 FLSA Status:  Full Time, Non-exempt
 Salary Range:  $18-$22 per /hr

Summary Description: The Recovery Specialist provides, under minimum supervision, recovery-oriented services for the Reach One initiative in a partnership with two other Mid-Hudson Valley agencies covering four counties. This is a peer position for individuals who are in recovery from a mental illness and have prior experience as recipients of mental health services. Recovery Specialists serve in various capacities to advocate and mentor individuals to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life based on their own preferences and personal goals. The Recovery Specialist will perform the duties assigned to this position in accordance with the mission of Greater Mental Health of New York, to provide mental health preventive, supportive, treatment, and advocacy services to children and adults in our community.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Engage and assist individuals with psychiatric diagnoses to participate in diverse, person-centered, self-directed services and meaningful activities that promote empowerment and robust recovery.
• Provide direct contact, counseling, outreach, curriculum development, group facilitation, mentoring, systems navigation, community oversight, and crisis support as needed to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses.
• Deliver peer support locally at libraries, coffee shops, community centers, traditional service environments, shelters, jails, street outreach locations such as bridges and tunnels, at home, etc.
• Assist individuals with finding educational opportunities, employment, social activities, and home health integration of services.
• Advocate for each person by understanding who the person is now, their life experiences, and their goals for the future. Interview those individuals who are of primary importance to the potential participant.
• Assist individuals in understanding and creating Wellness and Recovery Action Plans (WRAPs).
• Work with participants toward their recovery goals, both individually and in group settings in various locations/environments.
• Must be cognizant of all relevant employment, educational, housing, entitlement, and social supports in the community and proactively facilitate connection to these services with participants as needed; and
• Complete reports and other documentation in a timely manner as required.
• Attend and complete all Greater Mental Health of New York or state-sponsored In-Service Training Programs related to position, program, or agency goals.
• Additional related duties as assigned.

Key Competencies: 

• A thorough understanding of the process and possibility of recovery for people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities.
• Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, professional language, and behaviors reflecting such values.
• Knowledge of ADA, Mental Health Laws and Systems, Social Security Programs, Work Incentives, Entitlement Programs, Supported Employment, Federal/State/Local Services, laws, and systems related to individuals with disabilities.
• Must have demonstrated knowledge of histories, patterns, and issues contributing to mental health and substance abuse recidivism.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and services.
• Knowledge of local, statewide, and national disability-related issues and community dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive an agency vehicle.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Human Services, Social Work, or a related field such as Psychology or Counseling, preferred or an Associate degree with commensurate experience.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with individuals with mental health diagnoses.
• Advocacy of two or more years preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) capabilities are a plus.
• Knowledge of ASL is desirable.
• Recipients of mental health services who personally navigated the mental health system.
• Completion of Peer Advocacy Training Course preferred but not required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive to various locations throughout Rockland County. 
• Ability to sit at a desk and type on a computer, and to converse with others face to face and on the telephone. 
• Ability to facilitate meetings, workshops, and events as needed, including the ability to field and answer questions from the audience.
• Strong computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems. 
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking). 
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.   
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Special Considerations: 

• This is up to a 35-hour per week position with flexibility according to program needs. 
• Will include some evening and weekend hours. 
• Primarily in the community, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position.  The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter.  You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report. 

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.