Peer/Family Advocate Lead

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

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The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists patients in identifying and practicing individualized skills to deal with their MH/SUD/COD symptoms. Engages patients by building rapport and trust. Interacts with patients as a peer and shares common experiences.  Facilitates patients' exploration and understanding of their MH/SUD/COD symptoms and assists patients in identifying areas in which they need support. Assists patients in identifying their own individual warning signs of relapse and in identifying and developing specific, individual coping strategies. Assists patients in developing a crisis plan and crisis management skills.
• Convenes and facilitates self-help groups and activities. Teaches self-help techniques and self-help group process skills to patients. Facilitates the establishment of peer support networks, natural supports, and social support systems (which may include attending with and transporting patients to self-help meetings and other supportive recovery activities using fleet vehicles) upon discharge from inpatient units.
• Helps patients develop assertiveness and communications skills in order to facilitate their active participation in the recovery process. Assists patients in carrying out tasks to help them achieve identified goals. Teaches patients skills in daily living, learning, working, socializing, recreating, parenting, and/or other skills that are relevant to the individual's recovery goals.  Assists patients with reintegration into the community upon discharge and provides supportive peer related services and outreach for up to 90 days and ensure continunity of care and linkage to next level of care.
• Teaches patients how to negotiate bureaucracies and service systems. Provides entitlement information and teaches patients how to advocate for themselves in obtaining entitlements. Assists patients in identifying and learning how to exercise their rights. Provides education and training on patient issues and perspectives to mental health and generic human services providers. Facilitates orientation and onboarding for new peer bridger staff, peer bridger referral tracker, newsletter, interviewing, take an active role in assisting the supervisor with tasks related to the fleet vehicles. Assists the supervisor with any OMH grant tracking needs.
• Facilitates monthly group supervision and documentation of meeting notes. Engages in relationship building and management with community and governmental partners as needed to further the reach and impact of peer support services and programming. Oversight of peer bridger support scheduling and schedules. Provides and supports ongoing education and training. Educates program participants and staff about various modes of recovery. Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops. Assists the supervisor by providing case consultation, education, and direct observation and provision of service delivery to achieve program objectives. Assists in interviewing, hiring, evaluating, training, and monitoring to ensure quality services. Collaborates with the clinical supervisor to provide effective clinical supervision to peers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Direct personal experience overcoming the challenges and recovering from mental illness or substance use disorder required
• Two years of experience as a Peer Advocate preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and ability to mentor others diagnosed and recovering from a mental illness and with navigating mental health services and community resources required
• Availability to work a flexible work schedule including occasional evenings and weekends, effective communication and teaching skills, and the ability to empathize with patients and their support systems required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• New York Certified Peer Specialist upon hire required
• DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State (New York State) with a satisfactory driving record upon hire required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.