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SalaryVNS Health Peer Specialists are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community. VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional.
Compensation:
$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly
What We Provide
Referral bonus opportunities
Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays
Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability
Employer-matched retirement saving funds
Personal and financial wellness programs
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care
Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees
Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities
Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals
What You Will Do
Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services
Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients’ homes, or schools, to engagefrequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations
Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members
Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client/consumers/members
Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves asa role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed
Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifyingrehabilitation and recovery goals
Teaches symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients totake a proactive role in their recovery journey and helps the client be an advocate for themself
Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoingeducation, guidance, support and encouragement
Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients/consumers/members needs as identified in the assessment process.
Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect withcommunity-based services and supports
Documents contacts with clients/consumers/members in EMR in accordance with programpolicies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and regulatory requirements
Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate
Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned.
FOR Recovery Coordination Agency (RCA):
Participates in initial and ongoing trainings as necessary to maintain current knowledge of Health Home,HARP HCBS and DOH processes Maintains knowledge of the service providers in the HCBS, MCO and health home network if applicable
Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating intreatment goals for clients/consumers/members
Qualifications
High school degree or equivalent required
Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) and/or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Certification(s) may be required
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) & Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CERPA)preferred
Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, health care or human services setting,preferred
Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substanceusing population, preferred
Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team
Computer fluency
Valid New York State driver’s license, as determined by operational/regional needs
Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs
Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don’t meet all criteria
