Peer Counselor - Level I

Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) is the major tertiary care provider in the borough of Queens. The hospital is comprised of 545 beds and is a Level I Trauma Center, an Emergency Heart Care Station and a 911 Receiving Hospital. It is the premiere health care organization for key areas such as Surgery, Cardiology, Women's Health, Pediatrics, Rehabilitation Medicine, Renal and Mental Health Services.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Rotating

Under supervision, Peer Counselors provide direct services to health consumers in emergency, inpatient, outpatient, home and specialized settings. Works in close collaboration with staff, consumers and other caregivers in planning and implementing treatment plans. Empowers peers to advocate for themselves, resolve issues or problems and plan for their futures by serving as a role model. There are three (3) Assignment Levels in this class of position.

1. Assists the consumer with activities of daily living (e.g., setting-up household, public transportation, budgeting, shopping, socializing, parenting and other skills relevant to an individual’s rehabilitation goals). May make home visits.

2. Leads or co-leads groups including, but not limited to, dual diagnoses issues, relapse and recovery and socialization.

3. Assists the consumer in identifying their own individual warning signs of relapse and identifying and developing individual coping strategies.

4. Provides supportive peer counseling with respect to mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies and self-help opportunities.

5. Participates in an interdisciplinary treatment and human services team in determining and implementing a comprehensive plan of care.

6. Clarifies issues for the consumer and assists with the process of referral for treatment, rehabilitation, housing and supportive services. Follows-up to determine whether services were provided and used.

7. Assists the consumer in completing applications and paperwork for public entitlements and may accompany consumer on visits to agency offices and treatment programs.

8. Acts as a liaison with community and governmental agencies.

9. Facilitates the establishment of peer support networks, natural and social support systems.

10. Maintains current, complete and appropriate documentation in the consumer record, prepares required forms, and may be required to use computer systems in carrying out these functions. Documents in Electronic Health Record (EHR) and writes progress notes for review.

Assignment Level I

For Assignments in Mental Health:

1. Certification as a Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Peer Specialist-Provisional (NYCPS-P) issued by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB); and

2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of mental health services as a Peer Counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.

For Assignments in Substance Use:

1. Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional (CRPA-P) issued by the New York Certification Board (ASAP-NYCB); and

2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of substance use disorder services as a Peer Counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online at employment.nychhc.org.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs