Peer Specialist

Job Description

Overview

VNS Health Peer Specialists / Advocates are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists / Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists / Advocates directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community. \n\nVNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional. Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don’t meet all criteria .

What We Provide

Referral bonus opportunities

Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays

Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability

Employer-matched retirement saving funds

Personal and financial wellness programs

Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care  and commuter transit program

Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees

Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement

Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities

Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals

What You Will Do

Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients / consumers / members into programs services

Builds relationship and trust with clients and their family / caregiver and assists with their interactions with professionals on the team

Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients / consumers / members

Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client / consumers / members

Educates clients / consumers / members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients / consumers / members to appointments as needed

Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients / consumers / members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals

Teaches and models symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients to take a proactive role in their recovery process

Reviews service plans with clients / consumers / members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragement

Develops inventory of resources that will meet the client's needs as identified in the assessment and or-treatment process

Provides navigation services to help clients / consumers / members connect with community-based services and supports

Documents in EMR in accordance with program policies / procedures, VNS Health standards, and city, state and federal regulatory requirements

Assists clients / consumers / members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate

Participates in case conferences, staff meetings, supervision and training programs

Develops a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients / consumers / members. Serves as a bridge between team members and participant

For Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinical (CCBHC) :

Educates clients about the different types of treatment available, including medications for addiction treatment

Helps clients identify their strengths as well as obstacles to their recovery

Assists clients with applying for benefits

Provides resources for external and post-discharge services

Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating in treatment goals for clients / consumers / members

For IMT, ACT, MC, OMH Suicide Prevention :

Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients’ homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required

FOR CCBHC ONLY : New York Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required

Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, substance use treatment program, health care or human services setting, preferred

Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and / or substance using population, preferred

Effective oral / written / interpersonal communication and relationship building skills required

Ability to work independently and collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team

Computer literacy (electronic health records, word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry), required

Valid New York State driver’s license, as determined by operational / regional needs

Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, preferred

Pay Range

USD $20.98 - USD $26.23 / Hr.

About Us

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 130 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us — we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24 / 7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 “neighbors” who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.