Peer Support First Responder Specialist

Description

Independent Living, Inc. is looking to hire a Peer Support First Responder Specialist in Newburgh that will provide highly individualized, flexible, demand responsive, intensive peer support and timely intervention during periods when individuals with psychiatric disabilities are experiencing increased vulnerability and are at greatest risk.

Independent Living, Inc., is a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region. As a Peer Support First Responder Specialist, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, is preferred, plus two years of peer coaching or advocacy experience, NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification preferred or ability to be certified within one year of employment required, must have personal mental health lived experience as a former or current user of mental health services as well as personal experience with recovery and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed. Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work directly in partnership with Mobile Mental Health clinicians as a team of first responders who engage in first response support of individuals at risk of hospitalization for mental health disability related issues.
• Provide highly individualized, flexible, demand responsive, intensive peer support and timely intervention during periods when individuals with psychiatric disabilities are experiencing increased vulnerability and are at greatest risk.
• Provide proactive peer engagement services and coordinate comprehensive wrap around supports by working collaboratively with Mobile Mental Health clinicians in developing plans that effectively support each individual in order to prevent relapse and recidivism.
• Answer phone calls from individuals in the community and other service providers who are requesting assistance from the Orange County Mobile Mental Health team. Provide immediate assistance and support to individuals while requesting guidance from the on-call clinician.
• Encourage each individual to develop an advanced directive to help direct his or her care in the event he or she is incapable. Primary focus should be to provide demand responsive-peer-support and develop Wellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Plans (with realistic goals based on each individual’s purpose and passion for life), Advance Directives, and Health Care Proxies. 
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems issues.
• Engage in individual advocacy by assisting individuals with mental health disabilities in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints, accessing services and navigating community supports of their choice.
• Engage in systems advocacy by representing the concerns of individuals with mental health disabilities through the identification of patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these systemic problems.
• Facilitate and support the development of an integrated support network for individuals which includes but is not limited to case management, benefits advisement, supported housing, self-help, employment and educational services, county jail and rehab programs, family members, hospital emergency rooms, schools, community residences, provider agencies, mental health clinics, family health centers, police and emergency services, MSW’s and physicians, in addition to other community supports individuals may wish to access.
• Educate individuals, families, and community resources about challenges, options, and resources with regard to persons with disabilities.
• Encourage personal empowerment, self-determination, while promoting independent living skill development.
• Encourage independence; provide assistance in identifying and connecting with supportive services. 
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required including statistical reports by specified due dates.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by Independent Living, Inc. as well as those specific to mental health, transition and diversion. 
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

SHIFT: 

• Monday and Tuesday 9:00am - 9:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm.

PAY RATE:  

• $19.72/hr - $21.39/hr

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)