Peer Specialist at Transitional Services For New York Inc – Jamaica, New York

Transitional Services for New York, Inc., (TSINY) not-for profit, is a comprehensive, community-based mental health organization located in New York City. We provide a continuum of rehabilitative services to enrich the lives of those recovering from mental illness and facilitate their transition to increased levels of independence. Transitional Services for New York, Inc. envisions broadening its rehabilitative services and becoming a regional social service provider. Transitional Services for New York Staff will deliver effective programs with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. We expect all staff to put our clients’ needs first while respecting ourselves and each other as we provide hope to those who participate in our programs.

TSINY is looking for a Peer Specialist for our Clinic location in Jamaica (Queens), NY.

Position Salary: $26 / hour, Part-Time (35 Bi-weekly)

Position Summary

The Peer Specialist is responsible for working with Counseling & Crisis Center recipients in developing a plan to advance recovery goals and manage crises as they occur. The Peer Specialist will facilitate linkages to available community-based supports that address physical health, behavioral health and social determinants of health. The Peer Specialist will work as part of the Rehab & Recovery programs using the Intentional Peer Support model of care to help recipients define and manage their recovery.

Essential Functions

• Provide community-based crisis management services.
• Meet with all recipients to develop a recovery plan.
• Conduct individual and group peer counseling.
• Assist in program admissions.
• Maintain New York State Peer Certification.
• Assist recipients with completion of WRAP plans.
• Assist recipients in identifying community resources and provide linkages and warm hand[1]offs to supports addressing employment, health care, case management, social determinants of health.
• Escort recipients to appointments as needed.
• Communicate with recipients’ network and providers to monitor service needs.
• Communicate any pertinent information, i.e., appointments, overall behaviors, changes in medication, etc.
• Document all encounters in progress notes.
• Attend special on-site and off-site trainings, seminars, conferences, etc.
• During a declared disaster, assume and adhere to assigned Job Action role(s) consistent with Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Perform other related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will:

• be able to sit or stand as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• be able to walk, primarily on a level surface, for short periods throughout the day, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• be able to reach above shoulder heights, below the waist or lift as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Experience/Education/Skills/Abilities

Bachelor’s degree in health-related field with 2 years’ experience working with adults with severe mental illness. Have a lived mental health experience and maintain an active NYS Peer Certification.