Summary Description:

The Peer Support Specialist provides opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries with behavioral health conditions and substance use disorders (SUD) to receive services in their own home or community. This role supports a recovery model of care, emphasizing a person's potential for recovery by optimizing quality of life and reducing symptoms of behavioral health conditions and SUDs through empowerment, choice, and treatment. Recovery is seen as a personal journey involving hope, secure base, supportive relationships, self-direction, social inclusion, and coping skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Promote skills for coping with and managing behavioral health symptoms. Facilitate the utilization of natural resources and enhancement of recovery-oriented principles such as hope, self-efficacy, and community living skills. Work a flexible weekly schedule that may include evenings and weekends. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Key Competencies: Knowledge and experience with Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Practice and Motivational Interviewing. Understanding of the Recovery process and ability to facilitate recovery using established standardized mental health processes. Skill in teaching and engaging in basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery. Familiarity with common challenges associated with mental health conditions. Ability to master electronic record systems, meet deadlines, and demonstrate adaptability. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Effective support of clients' recovery processes and achievement of personal goals. Adherence to evidence-based practices and recovery-oriented principles. Consistent and accurate use of electronic record systems. Compliance with legal and ethical standards, including confidentiality and safety protocols.

Requirements: Certification as OMH established Certified Peer Specialist or OASAS Certified Peer (CRPA). Basic computer knowledge. Valid drivers license and a satisfactory driving record. Current New York State Defensive Driving certification if driving agency vehicles. Clearance by NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search. Clearance by NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and/or neglect. Legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Special Considerations: This is a community-based, mobile position