Peer Counselor

Title: Peer Counselor
Program: The Support and Connection Center 
Salary: $43,000 per year

Program Description: 
The Support and Connection Center (Center) provides 24/7 short stay, engagement, stabilization and treatment services for adults with mental health and/or substance use issues referred directly by NYPD as an alternative to the traditional police responses of arrest, summons, or transport to an emergency room. Guests are referred to the Center when their infractions are non-violent and/or low-level offenses such as loitering, trespass, public inebriation, and disorderly conduct. The goal of the Center is to help guests begin to identify and modify the behaviors that result in repeated police contact. An OASAS licensed outpatient clinic, located on site, provides services to guests who are eligible.  The maximum length of stay is 5 days. 

Overall Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Program Director, the Peer Advocate is responsible for providing a wide range of engagement, counseling, and supportive services to guests. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential duties include but are not limited to the following activities depending on the assigned shift: 

• Assumes a lead role in guest engagement activities 
• Collaborates with staff to develop an environment conducive to recovery 
• Provides recovery-based services including WRAP 
• Promotes problem-solving and decision-making skills development, including identifying positive supports and activities 
• Accompanies guests to appointments as needed 
• Acts as an advocate and support guests' self-advocacy 
• Models effective coping skills 
• Facilitates guest engagement with community-based recovery and support services 
• Provide support in case management responsibilities
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff   

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• NYS Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate 
• At least two (2) years working in the field of peer advocacy 
• Lived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services is preferred 
• An ability to work independently and to adjust one’s schedules to accommodate the needs of the guests 
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds 
• An ability to interface with guests as well as all levels of staff and providers 
• Excellent oral, writing and listening skills 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite 
• Bilingual skills a plus