Peer Engagement Specialist 3 Position Available In Rensselaer, New York

Peer Engagement Specialist 3 Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health – 4.0 Rensselaer, NY Job Details Full-time $45,684 a year 23 hours ago Benefits Mileage reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Addiction counseling Management Writing skills Mid-level High school diploma or GED Driver’s License Mentoring 1 year Associate’s degree Full Job Description Starting salary $45,684 PEER

ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

(OUTPATIENT CLINIC)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is an individual who possesses a certification for peer advocacy issued through NYS OMH and has lived experience in recovery from mental illness; or is a certified parent or youth advocate. The Peer Engagement Specialist is able to provide non-clinical support for persons considering or striving for recovery. This employee will interface with recipients who are: awaiting services, experiencing crisis and transitional junctures in the path of recovery; assist therapists in group treatment as requested; accompanies clients to self-help groups, and community resources/supports and other opportunities for interface as identified by the treatment team. The peer advocate is a participant in a multi discipline treatment team in the outpatient clinic setting serving children, youth or adults who are experiencing mental illness, emotional disturbance and possibly have co-occurring addiction. A peer aids in increasing the potential for recovery as a role model, support and advocate. The incumbent will assist the recipient in the development of a recovery plan, with an emphasis upon increasing the recipient’s readiness to change; through an approach of non-judgmental support and motivation, self-help and guidance, using advocacy and mentoring skills.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

(Illustrative only) Establish a working relationship with all members of the treatment team. Outreach to persons who are in need of outpatient mental health services. Establish collaborative working relationships with the local Emergency Department teams; Local DSS, County Probation Department; local Mental Health and Addiction Treatment providers, staff at RCDMH, inpatient treatment providers, self-help groups, peer run services, educational and vocational providers and other community-based resources. Support persons in following through with first appointment in treatment and those who have not attended scheduled appointments. Assist in referral process for persons in need of additional services. Participate in meetings of network providers. Possesses qualities of courtesy, respect, dependability, initiative, and good judgment. Other duties as directed by management staff.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISITCS

Possesses a personal understanding of the challenges of recovery thru lived experience; having been in recovery from mental illness and/or addiction for a minimum of two years. Ability to engage persons at every stage of readiness in pursuing recovery; especially those in pre­contemplative or contemplative phases; using techniques of active listening, strategic disclosure, and empathy. Possess a valid driver’s license. Ability to establish strong collaborative working relationships with treatment and recovery service providers representing the entire continuum of mental health and addiction care. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Possessing a Certification as a certified peer advocate issued from NYS OMH. Possess an understanding of how to navigate the recovery system. Collect data and prepare documentation as required. Respect diverse cultural backgrounds and practices of individuals, families, volunteers, and other agency staff. Understand and adhere to confidentiality requirements of

HIPAA, 45 CFR

section 164.S0g(g) and

MHL 33.13. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A. Possess lived experience in recovery from mental illness or emotional disturbance. AND B. Provide three current letters of reference which testify to the candidate’s achievement of recovery. C. A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalency with three years of successful work experience. (Work experience may include a combination of internships, volunteers, part time or full-time competitive employment), OR D. An Associate’s Degree with at least one year of successful work experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT

: Possess a certification or provisional certificate as a peer advocate issued by NYS OMH. (Dual certification with

NYS OASAS

may be pursued during employment.)

ADOPTED:

GRADE:

9 CSC Mtg.

SALARY:

$44,353

CLASSIFICATION:

Competitive Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$45,684.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person