Recovery Support Services Peer Specialist #1802 in Geneva, New York at Lakeview Health Services Inc.

Agency Overview

Lakeview Health Services is a premier partner throughout the Finger Lakes region, providing safe, affordable housing, support, and rehabilitative services to persons with mental illness as well as health care coordination services to individuals with chronic mental and physical health challenges. We are dedicated to helping individuals identify and achieve personally meaningful and measurable life goals, and to realize their full potential. Lakeview seeks to create an environment of learning and development that will lead to an engaged, motivated, and high performing team with a devotion and commitment to client service.

Essential Job Functions Overview

The individual will use their personal story and experiences to help guide those we serve on their path to recovery. Under the direct supervision of the CSS Program Manager, the RSS Peer Specialist will function as a role model, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; assist with vocational/educational training; provide outreach services to individuals in the community as well as those who live withing the agency programs who are struggling with substance use and mental illness. The RSS Peer Specialist will strive to create a healing environment that respects perspectives and experiences of the individuals, families, staff, and communities we serve by practicing safe, respectful communication as well as respecting individual’s boundaries and differences. With general supervision, works from a trauma informed care perspective to perform a wide range of outreach activities related to advocacy, linkage and development of services for persons with concurrent mental illness and substance abuse issues.

• May serve as an active member of the individuals treatment team, including participation in team meetings and treatment planning meetings.
• Interview, support, counsel, and assist individuals with securing/linking to necessary services, living independently, and accomplishing their individual goals.
• Complete all documentation in the individual’s electronic health record and maintain that record accurately.
• Follow all department and organization policies and procedures.
• Participate in community outreach events
• Facilitate recovery-oriented groups.
• Maintain NYS Peer-Certification.
• Provide outreach services to individuals in the community, and those in agency programs, who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorders, through their recovery by sharing experiences.
• Link to programs and resources that can assist in the individual’s recovery and that are of their choosing.
• Assist with providing advocacy and support on behalf of the individual
• Serves as role model and teaches effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Informs supervisor, and other members of treatment team as indicated, of issues/concerns related to individual clients.
• Share personal experience to support others’ recovery in an appropriate and respectful manner

Experience, Education, & Physical Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with special needs consumers in a recovery-based or vocational/rehabilitative setting. Lived experience with mental health services required. Completion of or significant progress toward the Peer Certification Program is required within one (1) year of hire date. Must maintain certification throughout employment. Possession of the CPRP credential is a plus. NYS Driver’s license as driving is an essential function of this position. Significant amount of time driving and visiting clients; general apartment settings; general office environment.

Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of community services within service area; general knowledge and understanding of mental illnesses, psychiatric rehabilitation model, and related issues; skills for independent living. Has a basic understanding of the importance of working from a trauma sensitive perspective.

Any external candidate interested in this employment opportunity, please visit our web site at www.lakeviewhs.org.

Lakeview Health Services, Inc. complies with the legal requirement to take affirmative action and not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Further, Lakeview Health Services, Inc. will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against applicants or employees who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations.