Community Support Specialist

Are you compassionate and caring? Are you looking for a rewarding career in Mental Health & Human Services? Apply today to join an amazing team, dedicated to advocating the health & well-being of individuals, families, and communities. MHA Columbia Greene is seeking to fill multiple positions of Community Support Specialists. These are 2 full time positions, averaging 40 hours per week including some evenings and weekends, at a rate of $17.00 per hour. The primary worksite is in Columbia County NY.

**This position offers some flexibility to work remotely based on program needs and supervisor approval**

This position supports the CORE (Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment) services are person-centered, recovery-oriented, mobile behavioral health supports intended to build skills and self-efficacy that promote and facilitate community participation and independence. 

Community Oriented Recovery Empowerment Services (CORE) Peer Support Specialists work with individuals with mental health or substance use conditions offering peer delivered services that promote recovery and self-advocacy, focusing on helping individuals develop skills and abilities, access resources, and build networks to support their recovery goals, live independently and participate in community life. As a Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) Services Peer Specialist, you will provide person-centered, recovery-oriented support to individuals with behavioral health issues, helping them develop skills, access resources, and achieve their goals in the community.

Core Responsibilities:

• Person-Centered Support: Work collaboratively with individuals to identify their strengths, goals, and needs, and develop individualized plans to support their recovery journey.
• Skill Development: Assist individuals in developing social, interpersonal, and daily living skills to enhance their ability to live independently and participate in the community.
• Advocacy and Empowerment: Advocate for individuals' rights and needs, promoting self-advocacy and empowerment to help them navigate the system and achieve their goals.
• Resource Navigation: Help individuals access and utilize community resources, including housing, employment, education, and healthcare services.
• Crisis Support: Provide support during times of crisis, helping individuals access appropriate resources and develop coping strategies.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely records of services provided, progress made, and any challenges encountered.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other members of the treatment team, including clinicians, case managers, and family members, to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
• Role Modeling: Serve as a role model for recovery, demonstrating positive coping skills, self-care practices, and a commitment to personal growth.
• Community Engagement: Participate in community activities and events to promote recovery and reduce stigma and meet with clients in their home/community to provide support
• Training and Education: Provide education and training to individuals and families on topics related to mental health, substance use, and recovery.
• Supervision: Participate in regular supervision to ensure quality of service and professional development.

The ideal candidate will have a Peer Support Specialist Certification and be a current or former recipient of mental health services, comfortable in using their lived experience to provide support and advocacy.

Provisional Certification (50 hours) allows individuals to provide peer support while the remaining hours are completed towards standard certification.

Requirements

• Education Requirements differ for each service that can be provided, please read all services above and the educational requirements. Certified Peer Specialists are encouraged to apply regardless of educational status. Non-Certified Peer Specialist should have at least two years’ experience in providing skills building, mentoring, or working in a behavioral health setting.
• Individuals are required to obtain a NYS-CPS-P and work towards a NYS-CPS during employment in the program. For more information on how to apply for a NYS-CPS-P (New York State- Certified Peer Specialist- Provisional) please click the link: NYCPS P Application Jan 2018.pdf (nypscb.org)
• During the first 60 days you will be required to complete all Essential Knowledge trainings as well as CORE Application of Principles training. Other training courses will be assigned as well.
• Be a self-starter who works independently in the community and maintains professional relationships with staff, providers, and recipients.
• Must be reliable and have