Certified Peer Specialist - Housing Services

POSITION SUMMARY Under the overall supervision Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist is responsible for supporting and mentoring the individuals in OMH Supportive Housing, Mobile Residential Support Team (MRST) and the OMH Crisis Programs to develop personal and meaningful independent living goals that will help fully integrate them into their local communities. The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience and experiential knowledge of mental health services to support and coach peers through transitions between settings, promote self-confidence, personal growth, and self-responsibility, and help manage crises and address risks to maintain housing stability and community tenure. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provides supportive services which include, but are not limited to, building awareness of and accessing desired/needed services, teaching independent living skills, and building knowledge base and skills associated with tenant responsibilities and limit/prevent risk of housing instability. Visits individuals on a minimum of a monthly basis or more as needed (for participants in the OMH Crisis Programs, provides consistent support during scheduled shifts). Assists the individual in the development of goals that are personally relevant and culturally sensitive to the individual’s beliefs and background, leading to increased independent living and stable community involvement. Utilizes lived experience to provide support to individuals in the programs. Participates in the screening and intake process and facilitates Needs Assessments and/or Rehabilitation Readiness assessments with all new individuals. Serves as support and advocate in the admissions and discharges process of individuals in the program. Assists individuals and teams in the development of their person-centered Support Plans. Assists with the development of Relapse Prevention Plans and, as per plan, supports individual if crisis or emergency situation arises. Assists with developing and maintaining compatible living arrangements with housemate(s). Accesses and provides individuals with referrals for needed services as well as assists in linkage to those services. Accompanies individuals to appointments, as needed. Helps in preparing forms, applications and/or documents. Acts as liaison between individuals, landlords and various treatment team members. Mediates emergency situations in the program according to established policies and procedures, and ensures communication of such situations in a timely fashion. Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds. Performs other duties as assigned. Responsibilities of All FREE Employees Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community. Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees. Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk. Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours. Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance. Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations. Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee. QUALIFICATIONS Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required Experience: Experience working with individuals with mental health diagnoses, substance use, or I/DD preferred. Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications: NYS Peer Specialist Certification required Qualified candidates who do not currently hold a NYS Peer Specialist Certification may be considered if they sign an education agreement and obtain provisional certification within six (6) months of hire. Full certification must be obtained within one (1) year of hire. Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities: Interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision Ability to use lived experience in a supportive and professional manner. Computer skills and ability to learn electronic health records and related applications. Other Requirements: Willingness to work with individuals diagnosed with behavioral health symptoms Valid Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the organization required WORK ENVIRONMENT This role is performed in-person. Travel between locations within FREE Network is required. For OMH Crisis Programs role is performed at one location however employee may be assigned as needed to alternate locations For OMH Supportive Housing and MRST, role is performed in the community, at person’s housing unit and other places in the community as agreed upon by individual and employee PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours) Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets Employee might be required reach with hands and arms and to lift/move light items Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.