Peer Counselor - L I (Grant-Funded/Peer Bridgers)

Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center is attuned to the healthcare issues that matter to the people of North Brooklyn. Woodhull focuses on preventing disease and promoting healthy lifestyles by reaching out to the community at various locations.

At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Job Description

TOUR 2 (8AM - 4PM)

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide proper linkage of patients discharged from the Woodhull CPEP to appropriate agencies in the community for continuity of care and services.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patients being discharged from CPEP.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under supervision of Social Worker Level III, the Peer Specialist/Recovery Peer Advocate initiate community-based peer advocacy and engagement to connect all discharged patients from the CPEP to community agencies for care and services.

• Offer hope through connection and engagement on what is possible.
• Support individuals in connecting or reconnecting to their community and relationships.
• Connect to and support individuals in various stages of navigation from CPEP to community, based on identified needs and request for support.
• Provide validation and support through person centered approaches and engagement.
• Advocate when requested by the individual.
• Assist in the development of comfort around self-advocacy.
• Demonstrate personal self-help and wellness skills.
• Share known resources and knowledge on system navigation.
• Serve as a mentor when appropriate on wellness and recovery.
• Assist in the exploration of personal goals that lead to life satisfaction.
• Engage in shared decision making with individuals to support voice and choice in all treatment decisions. Utilize evidence-based peer interventions such as Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery, Shared Decision Making Psychiatric Advanced Directives Building Recovery Capital.

Minimum Qualifications

Assignment Level I
For Assignments in Mental Health:
1. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Counselor/Specialist Training Program; and
2. Certification as a Peer Specialist (NYCPS) issued by the Peer Specialist Certification Board.
For Assignments in Substance Use:
1. Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) issued by the New York Certification Board.
For all other Assignments:
1. A High school diploma or its educational equivalent; and
2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Counselor/Specialist Training Program; or
3. One (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of mental health services as a peer
counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs