Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will will work as part of an OnTrackNY team with program participants, family members, and other team members. The Peer Specialist will use lived experience to contribute to treatment planning for each participant. You will report to the Director of OnTrack and will work on-site with travel required.

** Responsibilities:**

• Use your personal recovery story to instill hope and demonstrate goal attainment, using selective self-disclosure about lived experience with mental health problems, substance use, and other aspects of their lives, maintaining a primary focus on the issues participants present.
• Enhance initial outreach, engagement and retention efforts to help participants and families stay connected to the program.
• Assist in engagement and retention activities to promote optimum involvement with the team, including helping team to maintain a youth-focused, recovery-oriented approach to outreach before and after participants enroll in the program.
• Help individuals understand psychosis and develop and practice skills to help with illness management (individually or in groups).
• Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and work with participants of mental health services.
• Demonstrate excellent judgment and ability to understand boundaries when working with participants of mental health services and colleagues.
• Participate in activities related to community awareness of recovery and stigma reduction.
• Participate in outreach and recruitment activities with the team, forging relationships with community providers and conveying the “spirit of OnTrackNY”.
• Provide concrete and social supports to clients and families through case management supporting participant’s efforts towards returning to school or work.
• Aid participants and families as they transition from OnTrackNY services.
• Participate in in-person team meetings (weekly) and consultation calls/trainings with OnTrackNY Central offices.

** Requirements and Education:**

• Requires a HS diploma or GED. No prior related work experience required.
• Requires New York Peer Specialist Certification (NYCPS).
• Can accept a provisional Peer Certificate but must be fully certified within one year of employment.
• Requires a NYS Driver's License.

** Benefits**

• Health care package: medical, dental, and vision
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• 401 (K) plan
• Life Insurance
• Loan repayment assistance
• Free training/CEU opportunities

About Northern Rivers

At Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work together to make a difference in our client's lives. Northern Rivers empowers children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities.

Northern Rivers Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire great people from a variety of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We cherish the unique contributions of our diverse staff and are building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to do the meaningful work.

Company Description

With an almost 200-year heritage behind it, Northern Rivers Family of Services is a leader in the field of human service agencies in New York State by providing innovative, comprehensive and life changing care for over 18,000 children, adults and their families throughout 41 counties in New York. We are dedicated to helping families where they need it most - in their own homes and communities, unless they need safer more comprehensive care. Then we intervene with our network of foster care homes, residential havens and crisis stabilization services.
Northern Rivers with its member agencies Northeast Parent & Child Society, Parsons Child & Family Center and Unlimited Potential, provide help and hope to children who struggle with past abuse, mental health challenges and educational difficulties to nurture and empower them and their families to brighter futures and stronger communities. We also assist adults with impairments who need career training, employment and service navigation through our advocacy programs.
If you want to change lives, including yours, we believe there’s no better place for you to start or continue your career than with Northern Rivers. We strive to deliver innovative care in terms of vocation, rehabilitative services, and trauma informed solutions to ensure our clients live their best lives. With more than 60 programs and services, along with administrative and support functions, there’s a place here for everyone.
For more information, visit www.northernrivers.org.
Follow Northern Rivers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

With an almost 200-year heritage behind it, Northern Rivers Family of Services is a leader in the field of human service agencies in New York State by providing innovative, comprehensive and life changing care for over 18,000 children, adults and their families throughout 41 counties in New York. We are dedicated to helping families where they need it most - in their own homes and communities, unless they need safer more comprehensive care. Then we intervene with our network of foster care homes, residential havens and crisis stabilization services. \r
Northern Rivers with its member agencies Northeast Parent & Child Society, Parsons Child & Family Center and Unlimited Potential, provide help and hope to children who struggle with past abuse, mental health challenges and educational difficulties to nurture and empower them and their families to brighter futures and stronger communities. We also assist adults with impairments who need career training, employment and service navigation through our advocacy programs. \r
If you want to change lives, including yours, we believe there’s no better place for you to start or continue your career than with Northern Rivers. We strive to deliver innovative care in terms of vocation, rehabilitative services, and trauma informed solutions to ensure our clients live their best lives. With more than 60 programs and services, along with administrative and support functions, there’s a place here for everyone. \r
For more information, visit www.northernrivers.org. \r
Follow Northern Rivers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.