Advocacy Specialist

The Opportunity:

Hands Across Long Island, Inc. (HALI) is a non-profit, peer-run mental health agency providing advocacy and support to people experiencing trauma, mental health, and co-occurring life challenges. HALI provides a collaborative, flexible, and supportive work environment, along with a competitive benefits package.

Position Summary:

The Advocacy Specialist is a member of the HALI Empowerment team. This is an opportunity to support individuals in learning and implementing the skills needed to be self-advocates, connecting them with opportunities for our community to be heard, and supporting individuals with benefit navigation. The Advocacy Specialist reports to the Senior Director, Recovery Services.

Job Responsibilities:

• Utilize frameworks such as Trauma Informed Peer Support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Eight Dimensions of Wellness, Recovery Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, and Active Listening.
• Support individuals with learning the skills needed to be self-advocates and connecting them with opportunities for our community to be heard.
• Support individuals with benefits navigation which includes completing paperwork, identifying available services and support opportunities.
• Research and catalog local community-based opportunities.
• Project positive image of HALI via inter-agency relationships and occasional public speaking.
• Promote overall agency vision of recovery, peer support, empowerment, and social justice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job responsibilities.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant service tools and frameworks such as Trauma Informed Peer Support, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Eight Dimensions of Wellness, Recovery Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, and Active Listening.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• Familiarity with behavioral health and social service system resources.
• Ability to articulate peer roles and values, and downside of pathologizing the results of trauma.

Required Education/Certifications/Experience:

• Have or be working toward NYS Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or CPS-P; OR Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or CRPA-P.
• At least 2 years’ experience in direct community support, outreach, or engagement.
• Self-identification as current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services, ability to relate to others now using those services, and ability to describe a healing process through personal experience.
• Valid NYS driver’s license

Work Location: Central Islip, NY. Local travel may be required. HALI vehicles may be used as appropriately.

Work Hours/Schedule: Full time, 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4pm

Pay: $40,000-$50,000 annually dependent upon experience and credentials

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Term Life/AD&D/Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Pet Insurance, Identity Theft, 403(b) with Matching, Paid Time Off (PTO)

At HALI, we are committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusivity in all aspects of our operations. We firmly believe that diversity enriches our Agency’s culture, fuels innovation, and leads to employee and participant empowerment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to all employees, participants, and the community.

Hands Across Long Island is an equal opportunity employer, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws.

Posted On: May 13, 2024