Peer Navigator (Young Adult Population) – FT – Day Shift Position Available In Erie, New York

HOURLY RANGE

$21.19 – $25.70 DISTINGUISHING

FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves providing advocacy and non-clinical support services to young adults experiencing first-episode, or early, psychosis. Incumbents assist individuals and their families/caregivers in the development and application of skills and strategies for empowerment and successful community living. Incumbents organize groups, teach self-help techniques, and assist individuals in accessing and obtaining mental health and related support services. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor. Supervision is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Serves as a role model and provides advocacy and support services to individuals and their families/caregivers; Assists individuals in identifying, developing and practicing personalized coping and crisis management skills to deal with their psychiatric symptoms; Interacts with individuals as a peer and shares common experiences; assists individuals in identifying areas in which they need support; Organizes and facilitates self-help groups and activities; teaches self-help techniques and group process skills; facilitates the establishment of peer and social support networks; Participates as a non-clinical team member in developing individual treatment plans; Assists individuals in carrying out tasks defined in treatment plans; Maintains communication with individuals; documents interactions with individuals and communicates such with treatment team; Educates and assists individuals in identifying and comprehending rehabilitation and recovery goals; assists individuals in developing daily living, educational, social, vocational and other skills essential for empowerment and successful community living; Provides information on available community resources; assists individuals in understanding and obtaining access to such resources and benefits; links individuals to essential supports such as legal, housing, education, medical and financial services.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques associated with peer advocacy/support and peer intervention in general and as it relates to young adults; working knowledge of psychosis in general and as applicable to young adults experiencing psychosis; working knowledge of applicable and available community resources; working knowledge of the cultures specific to geographic areas where program participants reside; working knowledge of medical terminology; ability to develop, implement and participate in mental health self-help activities, peer support, peer advocacy programs, participant-run organizations, etc.; ability to serve as a non-clinical team member assisting in the development and carrying out of treatment plans; ability to disclose personal experiences for the purposes of educating and empowering program participants; ability to work in the community and homes of participants; ability to understand legal and ethical boundaries when working with program participants; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency; ability to utilize a variety of electronic software applications including electronic medical records; sound professional judgment; tact; confidentiality; dependability; trustworthiness; empathy; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and one (1) year of general work experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Certification as a New York State Peer Specialist within one (1) year of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment; Section 424-A of the Social Services Law requires that local social services district to inquire whether the applicant is the subject of an indicated child abuse or maltreatment report on file the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. All potential employees for this position will be requested to sign the necessary clearance form prior to being advised that they will be hired. Refusal to sign will be cause for automatic non-selection.

NOTE:

Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.