Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center is one of New York City's premier acute care hospitals. Located in Downtown Bronx, Lincoln is a teaching hospital renowned for its Centers of Excellence, and a recognized industry leader in the implementation of state-of-the art medical technology and best practices. Our team of highly trained and caring medical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care that is safe, compassionate, culturally competent and patient-centered. Comprehensive services are offered in three major primary care areas: Medicine, Pediatrics, and Women's Health in addition to more than eighty (80) specialty services. At Lincoln, the safety and comfort of our patients is our number one priority.

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.

Visit us at www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/lincoln.

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Caring Transitions Team is comprised of Social Workers, Peer and Family Advocates, a Transitions Coordinator, and a Medical Director, who will support children, youth, and their families who present at H+H hospitals in Queens following a suicide attempt or serious suicidal behavior, from point of entry until 90 days post-discharge.

The Caring Transitions Team will engage with youth and families upon presentation to the ED or direct admission. If interested in participating, the team will follow them throughout the hospital course, participating in aftercare planning. Upon discharge the team ensures that youth are connected to outpatient treatment, provides caregivers with tools to understand and identify risk factors and warning signs of suicide, assists the youth in developing life-affirming goals, and develops the capacity of other trusted adults and community supports in the lives of the youth and families they serve. In certain cases, the team will provide bridging care/treatment until the youth is connected to outpatient services.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Peer Counselor is an integral part of this interdisciplinary team. Under supervision, the candidate for the position uses their lived experience as a behavioral health consumer. Peer counselors provide direct services to behavioral health consumers in emergency, inpatient, outpatient, home, and specialized settings. Works in close collaboration with staff, consumers, and family in planning and implementing treatment plans, and supporting and navigating the system of care. Empower individuals to advocate for themselves, resolve issues or problems, and plan for their futures by serving as a role model.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient support, advocacy, system linkage, and access to care.

GENERAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:
1. Assists the consumer with activities of daily living (e.g., socializing, public transportation, budgeting, shopping, socializing, and other skills relevant to an individual's rehabilitation goals). May make home visits.
2. Use one's personal experience as a consumer of behavioral health services in role-modeling recovery and providing hope for other consumers.
3. Assists the consumer in identifying their warning signs of relapse and identifying and developing individual coping strategies.
4. Provides supportive peer counseling concerning mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation strategies, and self-help opportunities.
5. Participates in an interdisciplinary treatment and human services team in determining and implementing a comprehensive plan of care.
6. Leads or co-leads groups including, but not limited to, dual diagnoses issues, relapse and recovery, and socialization.
7. Clarifies issues for the consumer and assists with the process of referral for treatment, rehabilitation, Community support, housing, and supportive services. Follow-up to determine whether services were provided and used.
8. Assists the consumer in completing applications and paperwork for public entitlements and may accompany the consumer on visits to agency offices and treatment programs.
9. Acts as a liaison with community and governmental agencies.
10. Facilitates the establishment of peer support networks and natural and social support systems.
11. Maintains current, complete, and appropriate documentation in the consumer record, prepares required forms, and may be required to use computer systems in carrying out these functions. Documents in Electronic Health Record (EHR) and writes progress notes for review.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Assignment Level II
In addition to meeting the qualification requirements of Peer Counselor Level I, assignment to Level II requires:
1. One (1) additional year of experience, as described in three (3) above.

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button or forward your resume, noting the above Job ID #, to:

Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center
Human Resources Department
234 Eugenio Maria De Hostos Blvd, (East 149th Street),
2nd Floor, Annex
Bronx, NY 10451
Attn: Recruitment Unit

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