Peer Support Specialist

Pay $ $20.00 an hour

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) works as part of the Community Health and Behavioral Services (CHBS) program to support clients in their recovery process. The PSS is a key part of the multi-disciplinary treatment team and works directly with clients to provide advocacy and support in their treatment program. The PSS works to engage individuals at all points of service, to include: admission, treatment, discharge planning and after-care services.

The PSS must identify as being actively in recovery from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one's recovery journey. The PSS must currently have a certification, or attain provisional certification within 90-days of employment, as a Peer Specialist or Advocate recognized by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and/or Office of Addiction Supports and Services (OASAS).

Core Responsibilities 

• Support clients presenting to CHBS in their admission process through the duration of their enrollment in mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment.
• Relate to the client as an advocate for their treatment services.
• Advocate within systems to promote coordination of care and person-centered recovery.
• Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
• Use a person centered approach.
• Support a holistic approach and the multiple pathways to recovery, to include the use of self-help resources.
• Serve as a role model to clients.
• Educate through shared experiences.
• Establish appropriate respectful peer relationships.
• Mentor clients in areas that support recovery such as effective communication, self-care, self-advocacy, conflict resolution.
• Lead educational and support groups for clients.
• Participate in the clinical treatment team model, to include informing treatment planning and promoting individualized goals.
• Adhere to all defined role responsibility and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.
• Provides data to CHBS leadership on services provided on a monthly basis.
• Comply with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• 18 year of age or older
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or NYS Certified Peer Specialist or provisional status to be attained within 90-days of employment and full certification to be attained within NYS Certification Board recognized by OMH and/or OASAS.
• For individuals not yet certified at the time of hire must Identify as being actively in recovery for at least one-year from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one's recovery journey and be able to submit three letters of reference to the NYS Certification Board to support application for Certified Peer Specialist of Advocate.
• Attest to the respective Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct for Peer Specialists or Advocate.
• Previous experience working with individuals with complex substance use and mental health needs.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver's License-travel is required. 

Benefits 

Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere.  We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.

• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
• Direct Deposit
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave) 
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Appreciation Events
• Employee Discounts 

 

Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families.  If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career.  Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. 

To access a copy of the job description Click Here - Peer Support Specialist

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