PPTSU Professional Peer Specialist at Women In Need, Inc. – The Bronx, New York

Title of Position: Peer Support Specialist/Professional Peers/Certified Recovery Peer Advocates/Provisional (CRPA/Ps)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Supportive Housing

Salary: $22.52 per hour

Reports to: Program Director

Positions Reporting to this Position: None

Purpose of Position:

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS), the Professional Peer Transitional Safety Unit is dedicated to providing support and guidance to participants transitioning through various life challenges, such as mental health crises, substance use issues, or reintegration after incarceration. The Professional Peer Specialists will participants in a supportive manner, assisting them in developing skills, setting achievable goals, and navigating community resources to improve their overall well-being.

Professional Peer Advocates in the Transitional Safety Units can engage and support participants, address health and social problems. Peer support is evidenced based. This role involves utilizing lived experience and training to foster a safe environment, promoting recovery and resilience among participants. This role also helps participants, understand their rights and options, and connect them with available resources and services. It is essential in fostering a supportive environment for participants to have the guidance and resources needed to succeed.

• Assist in the initial contact with participants who are experiencing housing challenges, homelessness, residential treatment and incarceration that in need assistances.
• Serve as a role model, sharing personal recovery stories to inspire hope.
• Support engagement in evidence-based treatment, harm reduction services, and recovery supports.
• Support participants’ personal recovery: offer nonclinical services that engage, educate, and support court participants in achieving self-defined recovery.
• Provide mentorship and emotional support to participants facing housing challenges.
• Help participants identify and access housing resources, programs, and services.
• Advocate for participants’ rights and needs in housing matters, ensuring they understand their options.
• Engage with the neighborhood/community resources to promote transitional safety plan, resources and services.
• Facilitate workshops to educate participants on housing-related topics, such as tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Provide guidance and support during crises or urgent situations related to housing.
• Document participant interactions and progress appropriately while maintaining confidentiality.
• Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, services, and programs available to participants and build ongoing relationships with these organizations to advocate for members.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or Provisional (CRPA/P)
• Lived experience with or substance use challenges, with a focus on recovery. (preferred lived experience with homelessness, incarceration, residential treatment)
• Knowledge of community resources, services, and best practices in transitional support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
• Excellent active listening and empathy skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and resilience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention techniques.
• Skillful in using technology for documentation and communication
• Knowledge of social service agencies to arrange comprehensive support for participants, addressing needs such as housing, food, clothing, and financial assistance.
• Explain multiple pathways of obtaining housing, shelter and safe haven pathway for the participants.

Core Competencies:

• Leading Others: Conducts informative, effective meetings with staff and communicates critical information clearly. Leads by example, doesn’t stay behind the desk; stays visible to staff and clients.
• Facilitating Change: Inspires and motivates others to achieve outstanding client outcomes. Assists in overcoming resistance to change. Anticipates challenges and manages consequences.

• Managing Performance: Participates actively in team meetings and communicates clients’ needs. Monitors performance against predetermined standards set by Win and funders. Shares constructive feedback, quickly and adjusts to new demands. Holds self and staff accountable for performing at high standards. Uses positive reinforcement to convey confidence in employees.
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Understands and upholds all policies and procedures described in Win’s Employee Handbook. Uses EBP practices consistently and effectively. Takes client issues to the appropriate people within the organization to obtain the most accurate information to meet the clients’ needs.
• Communicating and Collaborating: Values the full spectrum of diversity and inclusion for clients and staff. Communicates effectively verbally and in writing. Fosters open communication to and from the Assistant Vice President, and supervisor.

WIN’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION HIRING COMMITMENT

Our most effective service to our community comes from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experience. As a result, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. Win actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.