Senior Certified Peer Specialist

JOB TITLE: Senior Certified Peer Specialist

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Hope Place

SUPERVISOR: Program Manager

Pay Grade: 76 [ salary range: 15.75hr-23.65hr commensurate with education and experience ]

JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Program Manager, the Senior Certified Peer Specialist (SCPS) is responsible for providing quality, trauma-responsive care and programing for adults, ages 18 and older who are experiencing a mental health pre-crisis or crisis. The SCPS will provide the least restrictive means of crisis stabilization and treating guests to ensure their return to a higher level of functioning as quickly as possible. This position also assists the program manager with leadership tasks and duties. The SCPS will carry out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agencies and Program Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Makes appropriate referrals and linkages to community supports.
• Advocacy; community outreach; education; referrals to other services (health insurance enrollment, housing, legal, care management, basic needs, etc.) or ongoing treatment; tools to support wellness and recovery.
• Completes basic intake and triage; Social Determinants of Health (SDOS) assessment.
• Fields questions; addresses concern of referral sources/families with Peer Specialist assignments.
• Assists in the development of and closely follows program and Guests Safety Plans.
• Participates in the programs on call support that can include coverage of shifts, coming in to support a shift in crisis, or other program needs.
• Provides individual and group supervision accounts for guests at all times.
• Provides a safe environment for guests and staff utilizing the sanctuary model.
• De-escalation; stabilization; (mindfulness and motivational interviewing); and, brief interventions such as art, and journaling.
• Takes inventory of food and office supplies, and notified program manager of needs.
• Checks cleaning logs daily at the end of shift and ensures staff have signed them.
• Provides Guidance and Support to Certified Peer Specialists during shifts, including real time coaching with staff on the floor during shift.
• Keeps current with the training requirements regarding Functional Behavioral Approach, Safety in the Community, Peer Recovery Coaching, Peer Support Ethics, Motivational Interviewing and other related trainings.
• Employs approved crisis intervention/prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and procedures.
• Documents critical incidents as required by program/agency and communicates concerns, problems, and questions to Hope Place Supervisor.
• Assists with projects associated with the Peer Support Program, including internal and external committees, task forces and special initiatives.
• Assists Community Service Director and Program Manager with projects associated with Hope Place, including driving the program/agency strategy, internal and external committees, task forces and special initiatives.
• Exercises daily decision-making, problem-solving and ongoing task prioritization.
• Track and monitor progress and outcomes.
• Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward guests and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and agency cultural activities.
• Recognizes and embraces the agency’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
• Works with Hope Place Program Manager to develop individualized plans to support and encourage professional growth.
• Completes all required documentation according to appropriate time lines.

POSITION SPECIFICS:

Education & Experience

• High School diploma with 2-3 years’ experience providing services in a Behavioral Health setting and 1 year of supervisory or shift lead experience required; OR an Associate’s Degree in a Human Service field with 1-2 years’ experience providing services in a Behavioral Health setting strongly preferred
• Must have two years of professional experience in a Peer Support Services environment
• Must be registered with the NYS Certification Board as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or New York Peer Specialist

Skills:

• Must have personal life experience in the serving systems or supporting someone in the serving system (mental health, substance abuse and or co-occurring disorders) and the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience
• Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing
• Reliable automobile (travel is required with personal vehicle/will be traveling Monroe County)
• Availability to work afternoon, evenings 3pm -11pm, weekends 3-11pm
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Proficient in Electronic Client Record Systems preferred.

Physical Demands:

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs.

• Ability to drive
• Ability to walk short distances
• Ability to use stairs
• Ability to leave a location quickly
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to complete light cleaning duties when needed

COMPETENCIES:

Leading Self

• Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-
  1. Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.
• Customer Focus
  1. Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
  1. Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.