AccessCNY INC Hiring For Peer Specialist Crisis Respite – Mental Health at Syracuse, NY Full Time

Main Function:

The Peer Specialist works as personal supportive staff to provide direct services to participants in crisis with maintaining control over their lives and their own recovery process. Peer Specialists model the reality that recovery is possible and assist participants in developing the skills necessary to improve the quality of their life.

Duties of a Peer Specialist Crisis Respite:

1. Engage and empathize with individuals with psychiatric labels experiencing crisis based on common experiences. Provide direct support services to meet the needs of participants as defined by participants.

2. Facilitate the development of crisis self-help skills, support systems, coping strategies, increased hope and self-esteem through individual and group interactions. Teach individuals skills in daily living, learning, working, socializing, recreating and/or other skills which are relevant to address the individual’s specific needs when in crisis.

3. Gain and share knowledge of the goals and objectives of the mental health consumer/survivor/ex-patient movement including knowledge of crisis self-help, empowerment and recovery principles and practices on local and national fronts.

4. Keep informed and up to date on the current human services delivery system and entitlement programs. Share in the experience of negotiating bureaucracies and the service system. Provide education and training on consumer/survivor/ex-patient issues and perspectives to the mental health and substance use systems.

5. Assist individuals in identifying and exercising their rights and support people to advocate for their needs.

6. Facilitate the establishment of collaborative community-based peer support networks and social support systems.

7. Support individuals via peer support Warm Line to reduce isolation and provide support and connect individuals with community resources.

8. Complete documentation relevant to the tasks of the position.

9. Perform other related duties as requested.

Scope of Responsibility:

With minimal supervision, provide training and assistance to individuals utilizing crisis respite services, with the intent to encourage maximum independence. Responsibilities also include ensuring 24 hour safety and wellbeing to the individuals served.

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent GED. Must have personal experience with mental health services. Certified NYS Peer Specialist or agree to complete the required certification within 6 months of employment.

Conditions of Employment:

Basic computer skills, good verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills and human relation skills necessary to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with recipients of the mental health system. Must have transportation necessary to meet program needs. Academy of Peer Services Certification must be completed within 1 year from date of hire. Must participate in successful database checks through the HHS Office of Inspector General, Excluded Parties List System, New York office of Medicaid Inspector General and Specially Designated Nationals.

Reports to:

Program Manager