Senior Peer Support Specialist - The Woods Center for Wellbeing - Creative Wellness in Rochester, New York at Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County

Job Summary:

The Senior Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented support to through delivery of individual and group peer support, in a creative setting. In addition, the Senior Peer Support Specialist assists the Program Director with mentoring new and existing staff and in carrying out day-to-day operations of the department.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)

• Peer Support Services
• Engages individuals in a personal, supportive manner, creating relationships that emphasize wellness, recovery, self-determination and personal strengths.
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support in a creative, welcoming and recovery-oriented setting.
• Facilitate creative workshops and classes that promote mental wellness through creative arts, mindfulness, meditations and other wellness-focused activities.
• Addresses mental health concerns and behaviors by providing department services in a supportive, trauma-informed, and recovery oriented manner.
• Empowers participants to be self-advocates in their own lives.
• Collaborates with community resources and makes referrals as necessary.
• Maintains appropriate, accurate and confidential documentation in a timely manner consistent with department requirements and HIPAA regulations.
• Mentorship of Department Peer Support Specialists
• Serves as a point person to staff to successfully fulfill their responsibilities as a Peer Support Specialist within the department.
• Supports an organizational culture of being culturally sensitive and trauma informed.
• Ensures organizational policies and procedures are adhered to consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• May assist with supervision in the absence of the Director.
• Day to Day Operations
• Assists Program Director to ensure that services are adequately staffed, department deadlines are met, meetings are scheduled, and departmental efficiencies and operational improvements are made.
• Plans and organizes events, staff training and department engagement activities.
• Coordinates and supports a variety of creative wellness workshops, classes and mutual support opportunities based on participant interests and program needs.
• Carries out identified tasks consistent with fulfilling department goals and outcomes.
• Other
• Schedules meetings and appointments (both in person and virtually) as needed. Ensures all attendees have communication regarding meeting location, etc.
• Documents and distributes accurate notes from meetings in a timely manner.
• Attends meetings as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in a Human Service-related field or experience equivalent.
• Minimum of two years’ experience providing peer/youth/family support services.
• Demonstrated experience in a diverse range of creative arts.
• Experience facilitating groups, classes and workshops.
• Experience and knowledge of the public mental health system.
• Must have obtained either a provisional peer certification (and obtain permanent certification within one year of hire) or have peer certification as required by the department for which they will work (adult/youth/family). Certification must be maintained throughout employment.

Equipment, Machines and Software Used:

• Ability to operate various office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, copier, scanner, and calculator.
• Computer Software: Microsoft Office to include Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with Paylocity payroll system preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills including verbal and written communication.
• Skill in planning and scheduling to establish deadlines and ensure the timely completion of several independent tasks and short-term projects.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to respond to questions from staff and program participants.
• Individuals must demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and competency with diverse cultural backgrounds, social identities and practices of community members and be willing to participate in anti-racism focused diversity training to increase skills in this area.

Work Hours:

• The standard work week is 35 hours. Monday - Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Flexibility may be required on occasion.
• This work cannot be performed from home or in hybrid format.