Peer Specialist

New York State Office of Mental Health

PILGRIM PSYCHIATRIC CENTER

1. BRENTWOOD, NEW YORK

 

POSTING

 

VACANCY

 

TITLE:   PEER SPECIALIST                           SHIFT:  Days 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

                                                                                                                                                                                          LOCATION:              Outpatient Services                 PASSDAYS:  Saturday/Sunday

 

                                                                        NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1           

 

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Full Time position-40 hours weekly, M-F. 8-4:30 pm

Part Time position may be considered-20 hours weekly; M-F with a schedule of 4 hours daily from 8 am-12 N.

Assignment: Mental Health Outpatient Clinic in Suffolk County, New York

 

The Peer Specialist will provide direct recovery-focused services to recipients in an outpatient clinic setting.  Primary focus will be providing individual peer support counseling along with a range of services which are designed to assist recipients in regaining personal control over their lives and over their own recovery processes. 

Tasks focus on facilitating the development of self-help skills, support systems, coping strategies, WRAP plans, maximizing use of resources available, and the increased hope and self-esteem that are central to recovery.  Peer Specialists also perform individual supportive counseling, group education and support and systems advocacy functions. 

By virtue of their unique perspective, including personal experiences in the mental health system, Peer Specialists model competence and the possibility of recovery for both recipients in care and staff.

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

 

– Experience living with one’s own mental illness and demonstrable progress in overcoming mental    

   health challenges.              

–  Knowledge of person first and recovery principles.

–  Self awareness that enables support to be nonjudgmental.

– Knowledge that peer support involves mutual responsibility; demonstrating appropriate peer roles, behaviors, and language as they relate to peer-to-peer relationship

–  Ability to communicate recovery components, self-determination, choices, etc.

– Ability to communicate one’s lived experience and recognize appropriate ways, times. and opportunities to self-disclose.

–  Ability to facilitate group meetings and teach skills to individuals and groups.

           

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

-Lived-experience as a recipient of mental health services

-Experience participating in mental health self-help activities, peer support, or advocacy programs, or similar organizations.

-Must demonstrate interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to, and effectively work with recipients of mental health services.  

-Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with a regional peer support network.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Peer Specialist Certification through the Academy of Peer Services or conditional certification.

                       

A valid New York State driver’s license.

 

Candidates who have a strong track record of documented accomplishments and leadership within the consumer/survivor movement, including self-help and/or advocacy, and/or who have completed a classroom-based Peer Services training program are strongly encouraged to apply.   

     

HOW TO APPLY:   You must use the OMH Employment Application. Applications are available from the Human Resource Office located in Building 19, 1st Floor, (631)761-3951 and from the OMH website https://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/facilities/pgpc/employment.htm.  You must indicate the position and you are applying for under “Job Interests and Employment Availability” on Page #3 of the OMH Employment application. Answer all questions and completely fill in the experience block with emphasis on your qualifying experience. It is the responsibility of the candidate to prove they meet the posted qualification and meets the operating needs of the facility. The selection committee reserves the right to limit the number of applicants interviewed. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please email the completed application to:  omh.sm.pgpc.ppchr1[email protected]

 

 

The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. The Office of Mental Health embraces diversity and promotes a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. The New York State Office of Mental Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted On: October 27, 2023