Peer Engagement Specialist, Residential Services

A Spanish version of this position is available upon request

La version de esta posicion esta disponible en Español si es requerida

BHSN, one of the fastest growing organizations providing whole person care in the region, is in search of passionate individuals to join our rapidly growing team!

Your role at BHSN:
As a member of the residential services team, this position will provide engagement and support to adults recovering from mental health and/or dual diagnosis in a residential, community and/or office setting in an effort to help participants reach their full potential and transition toward independent living. 

The New York Peer Specialist Certification Board defines a NYCPS - New York Certified Peer Specialist as a person who, by virtue of special knowledge, training, and experience, is uniquely able to inform, motivate, guide, and support persons in recovery from a mental health condition, diagnosis or major life disruption.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs a range of peer support activities as defined in the New York Certified Peer Specialist- Scope of Activities (2015) including but not limited to:

• Utilizing unique recovery experiences, the NYCPS shall:

• Teach and model the value of every individual’s recovery experience

• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies

• Encourage peers to develop a healthy independence

• Establish and maintain a peer relationship rather than a hierarchical relationship

• Utilizing direct peer-to-peer interaction and a goal-setting process, the NYCPS shall:

• Understand and utilize specific interactions to assist peers in meeting their individualized recovery goals

• Demonstrate and impart how to facilitate recovery dialogues through the use active listening and other best practice methods

• Demonstrate and impart relevant skills needed for self-management of symptoms, relapse

• Demonstrate an impart how to overcome personal fears, anxieties, urges, and triggers

• Assist individuals in recovery in articulating their personal goals and objectives for recovery

• Assist individuals in recovery in creating their personal recovery plans (E.g., WRAP, crisis plan, etc.)

• Appropriately document activities provided to peers in either their individual records or program records

• The NYCPS shall serve as a recovery agent by:

• Providing and promoting recovery-based services (e.g., WRAP, IPS,etc)

• Assisting individuals in recovery in obtaining services that suit each peer’s individual recovery needs

• Assisting individuals in recovery in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy

• Assisting individuals in recovery in developing problem-solving skills so they can respond to challenges to their recovery

• When appropriate sharing his or her unique perspective on recovery from mental illness and co-occurring disorders with non-peer staff

• Assisting non-peer staff in a collaborative process in identifying programs and environments that are conducive to recovery

• Links service recipients to resources, services and supports

• Facilitates/provides transportation to clients and attends appointments with participants as needed

• Develop, implement and facilitate socialization opportunities that are individualized to meet participants needs, wishes and abilities

• Participate and assist participant acclimate to program upon admission, throughout program stay and help prepare for program discharge

• Supports collaboration and teamwork by sharing information and responding to questions/requests from residential/treatment team and other support providers

• Provides restorative services reimbursable by Medicaid 

• Participates in the writing and timely completion of any required documentation in accordance with state/federal regulations and agency policies and procedures

• Maintains client confidentiality and confidential health information

• Promotes service recipients’ growth and development

• Maintains professional boundaries

• Attends and participates in meetings as requested

• Attends and/or completes all assigned trainings as required

• Assist with training new staff members

• Is willing to work flexible hours corresponding to the needs of the program

• Observes possible malfunctions of equipment and contents of apartment; takes appropriate action when needed

• Assists residents in maintaining apartments in a safe and sanitary condition

• Makes daily/weekly visits to apartments on an as needed basis

• Transports residents to and from doctor appointments, grocery shopping, etc., while teaching residents on how to acquire independent transportation when possible

• Complies with all BHSN and regulatory policies and procedures

• Completes additional duties consistent with the Peer Engagement Specialist role as requested

Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Obtain “New York Certified Peer Specialist-Provisional” certification within 90 days of employment
• Comply with the annual renewal standards required to maintain “New York Certified Peer Specialist – Provisional” certification until NYCPS certification is obtained
• Obtain “New York Certified Peer Specialist” (NYCPS) certification within 36 months of employment 
• Extensive knowledge with PC applications and electronic health records strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the mental health system
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Valid NYS driver’s license with driving record acceptable to BHSN insurance carrier and reliable transportation for local travel required
• Ability to climb stairs, and participate in lifting and moving a resident’s belongings, up to 25 lbs
• Participate in educational activities through BHSN and as required to maintain NYCPS credential

What’s in it for you?

• Generous benefits, including personalized health coverage, paid time off, and holiday pay
• Working within our community, making a real impact, working alongside passionate colleagues
• Accessible leadership team, coaching for your growth, and ample training opportunities
• With BHSN University, we provide our team members with continuous learning, mentorship, and internal education opportunities to encourage our team to continue discovering and innovating
• As a rapidly growing organization, there are endless opportunities to grow within the organization
• Community discounts, loan forgiveness & more