Peer Support Specialist - Ithaca at CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE FINGER LAKES – Ithaca, New York

We are Hiring!

Job Posting: Peer Support Specialist

Location: Ithaca, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: Starting at $18.00 an hour

As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes serves Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Cayuga, and Yates Counties with quality human service programs and advocating for social justice. We work with community partners to meet human needs and affect public policy that addresses the needs of all people. Together we make our community stronger, safer, and more inclusive.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to express and explore your passion for helping others, then join a team that truly makes a difference DAILY, in people's lives. Don't miss out on being a part of something special!

General Description

The Peer Support Specialist will act as a mentor, advocate and ally to participants in the Drug Treatment Court and/or Family Treatment Court, as applicable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist clients in all stages of recovery by recognizing personal strengths and setting goals by creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Meet with participants throughout the county, wherever they are housed, including community residences, homeless shelters, jail, hospital, and wherever they require services.
• Establish healthy social connections and assist clients in life skills building by demonstrating a safe and sober lifestyle.
• Transport and or escort participants to court appearances, off-site referrals, sober support meetings and community services, as needed.
• Assist participants with any general issues that may impair their recovery.
• Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor(s) and or CCFL Care Coordinator(s), as applicable, of participants’ progress
• Coordinate or assist in coordination, based on funder directives, of group activities and or community events for Alumni Group.
• Lead or provide support, based on funder directives, to the Alumni Group maintaining ongoing contact with alumni and encouraging continued participation after graduation from the treatment program.
• Participate in staff meetings and other CCFL-related meetings/events.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement efforts for the program and for the agency.
• Complete required agency and program reports in a timely manner.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory direction and perform other related duties as required.

Top Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
• Generous time off package and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Join us and help make a positive impact in our community!

***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet

Education: High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience working with substance use and mental health community preferred. Well-rooted in own recovery. Knowledge of administrative record keeping and filing system. Knowledge of HIPAA, administrative record keeping functions and filing systems Relevant years of experience and education will be considered

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to analyze and interpret data and to handle problem resolution.
• Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
• Continuous use of a reliable, registered and insured vehicle.
• Willing to travel and to attend evening meetings
• Ability to prioritize assignments, plan, and complete work projects with minimal direction
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to effectively and meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal/written skills
• Ability to work in the following software programs: Windows, Microsoft Office, and multiple online software platforms as required by funders and partner organizations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to demonstrate behaviors and attitudes which support organizational mission, philosophy, and policies
• Ability to work in a cooperative and helpful manner with all individuals
• Willingness and ability to foster agency and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards.

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