SOAR Peer Specialist

Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC) is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to improving mental health in our community through advocacy, education, program development, and the delivery of direct services. Our organization is looking for a motivated individual with a calling to help adults with mental illness by becoming a SOAR Peer Specialist.

The SOAR Peer Specialist is essentially responsible for providing group work and activity enhancement for members in the program. Peers will coordinate coverage with SOAR intake coordinator and director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Must be able to physically intervene in a crisis situation as needed.
• Must have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with members, personnel and support agencies
• Ability to think objectively in various situations.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, person centered focus as well as a calm environment throughout facility.
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is involved with members, staff, visitors, etc. under all conditions and circumstances.
• Conduct groups as required.
• Complete documentation as required.
• Coordinate schedule activities with SOAR Intake Coordinator.
• Ability to conduct intake/tour for program when SOAR intake coordinator is unavailable.
• Attend meetings/trainings as assigned.
• Ability to meet with representatives from other agencies when necessary.
• Travel within community to increase engagement of SOAR members (if needed).
• Ensure continuity of care for SOAR participants
• Participate in implementation of agency’s Quality Improvement Program
• Attend staff meetings
• Participates in all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner
• Must have familiarity with mental illness and be comfortable with addressing substance abuse issues as well. Lived experience is required for this position.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all member information.
• Treat each member fairly, with kindness, dignity and respect.
• Maintain awareness of members’ rights and responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Minimum requirement: HS Diploma. Bachelors’ Degree preferred.
• Must be familiar with the needs of individuals with severe mental illness. Lived peer experience preferred. Certified peer specialist training certificate preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Must have basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Word/Internet)
• Good written and oral communication skills, strong ability to multi-task, responsive to feedback and be adaptable to changing needs of program.