Peer Counselor - Lvl III

Kings County Hospital Center has a rich legacy for its pioneering role in medicine. Today, with over 625 beds, our hospital remains on the cutting edge of technology and provides the most modern procedures with state-of-the-art equipment. Built in 1831 as a one room infirmary for publicly supported care of the sick, Kings County Hospital Center continues to be a leading healthcare facility whose mission is to provide care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital provides a wide range of health services, and specialties are offered in all fields of modern medicine. More than 200 clinics provide a wide array of ambulatory care services.

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.

Work Shifts

8:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under supervision, working closely and cooperatively with the CPEP team, peer counselors provide direct services to mental health consumers in emergency setting. Works in close collaboration with CPEP staff, consumers and other caregivers in planning and implementing treatment plans. Empowers peers 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, access to care

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assignment III

Examples of Typical Tasks:

The Peer Counselor, working closely and cooperatively with the CPEP team, will provide the following services:

• Provides orientation, companionship, and support to persons seeking mental health services in the CPEP.
• Uses personal experience, serves as a role model and encourages mental health wellness and recovery.
• Offers appropriate referrals to peer-related resources and peer-run programs in the community, including, but not limited to support groups, entitlements, and recovery- based services.
• Collaborates with other CPEP staff to maintain accurate records, in accordance with program requirements, and in a timely fashion.
• Completes monthly reports as requested.
• Provides liaison and support to patients being admitted to inpatient units; supports inpatient peer counselors, where appropriate.
• Provides support to other CPEP staff in providing patients with necessities, such as snacks, linen, or gowns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

For Assignments in Comprehensive Emergency Psychiatric Programs (CPEPs):
1. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment's duration, as a
a. Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Peer Specialist-Provisional (NYCPS-P) issued by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB); or
b. Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional (CRPA-P) issued by the New York Certification Board (ASAP-NYCB); or
c. Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C), Credentialed Family Peer Advocate Provisional (FPA-P), Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate (YPA-C), or Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate Provisional (YPA-P) issued by Families Together in New York State; and
2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of CPEP services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.
For Substance Use Assignments:
1. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment's duration, as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional (CRPA-P) issued by the New York Certification Board (ASAP-NYCB); and
2. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of substance use disorder services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services.
For All Other Mental Health Assignments:
3. Certification, which must be maintained for the assignment's duration, as a Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Peer Specialist-Provisional (NYCPS-P) issued by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB); and
4. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or 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.
For All Other Assignments (Including Breastfeeding Education Assignments):
1. Satisfactory and documented completion of a formalized Peer Advocate/Counselor/Specialist Training Program or one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience working with consumers of peer services as a peer counselor/specialist, peer advocate or in related human services; and
2. A High school diploma or its educational equivalent.
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 Assignment Level I above.
Assignment Level III
In addition to meeting the qualification requirements of Peer Counselor Level I, assignment to Level III requires:
1. Two (2) additional years of experience, as described in Assignment Level I above.

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

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.