Certified Peer Specialist - Housing Services

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the overall supervision Program Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist is responsible for supporting and mentoring the individuals in OMH Supportive Housing, Mobile Residential Support Team (MRST) and the OMH Crisis Programs to develop personal and meaningful independent living goals that will help fully integrate them into their local communities.  Peer Support Specialists supports peers’ transition from one setting to another (“bridging”).  Peer Support Specialists must be able to utilize experiential knowledge of mental health and mental health services to serve as a role model, support and coach others in order to enhance self-confidence, self-responsibility, and personal growth as well as manage crisis and address areas of risk in order to maintain housing stability and community tenure.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Treats each individual with dignity and respect in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Reports possible violations of individual's rights promptly, and completes and submits incident reports in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Ensures that the individual’s needs are met and intercede on their behalf as necessary.
• Participates in any investigation into incidents occurring within the program as requested and maintain confidentiality in regard to such investigations.
• Provides supportive services which include, but are not limited to, building awareness of and accessing desired/needed services, teaching independent living skills, and building knowledge base and skills associated with tenant responsibilities and limit/prevent risk of housing instability.
• Visits individuals on a minimum of a monthly basis or more often as needed. For participants in the OMH Crisis Programs, provide consistent support during scheduled shifts.
• Assists the individual in the development of goals that are personally relevant and culturally sensitive to the individual’s beliefs and background, leading to increased independent living and stable community involvement. 
• Utilizes lived experience to provide support to individuals in the programs.
• Participates in the screening and intake process and facilitates Needs Assessments and/or Rehabilitation Readiness assessments with all new individuals.
• Serves as support and advocate in the admissions and discharges process of individuals in the program.
• Assists individuals and team in the development of their person-centered Support Plans.
• Assists with the development of Relapse Prevention Plans and, as per plan, supports individual if crisis or emergency situation arises.
• Assists with developing and maintaining compatible living arrangements with housemate(s).
• Accesses and provides individuals with referrals for needed services as well as assists in linkage to those services.
• Accompanies individuals to appointments, as needed.  Helps in preparing forms, applications and/or documents.
• Acts as liaison between individuals, landlords and various treatment team members.
• Follows OSHA regulations, including universal precautions.
• Projects a positive, professional image and establishes positive working relationships with co-workers, management, clinicians, collateral providers, regulatory bodies, and the public.

• Mediates emergency situations in the program according to established policies and procedures, and ensures communication of such situations in a timely fashion.
• Reports all violations and/or accidents in Agency or personal vehicle in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities of All FREE Employees

• Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.

• Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
• Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
• Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
• Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
• Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Experience:

• Related experience preferred

• Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:
  • NYS Peer Specialist Certification required
• Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
  • Ability to work independent with minimum supervision
• Other Requirements:
  • Willingness to work with individuals diagnosed with behavioral health symptoms
  • Valid Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the organization required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed in-person. Travel between locations within FREE Network is required.

• For OMH Crisis Programs role is performed at one location however employee may be assigned as needed to alternate locations
• For OMH Supportive Housing and MRST, role is performed in the community, at person’s housing unit and other places in the community as agreed upon by individual and employee

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours)
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets
• Employee might be required reach with hands and arms and to lift/move light items

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.

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