Peer Counselor

Family Services of Westchester (FSW) is looking for a Certified Peer Counselor to work in our Family Mental Health Clinics.

Family Mental Health Clinics include Licensed Professionals of the Healing Arts( LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, and other related Mental health degrees) Psychiatrists, and Psychologists, and will be adding Peers, and people with lived experience. The Peer Counselor will be part of the team. Peer Counselor roles are designed to allow staff to share their personal recovery/resiliency story to engage and empower the client in the treatment process, assist in achieving and sustaining new skills, develop coping mechanisms, and build relationships.

FSW is looking for a Peer Counselor.

Job Status: Part-Time
Schedule:(20 hours)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Engage potential clients and provide education regarding the treatment process.
• Assist clients in achieving and sustaining new skills and coping mechanisms.
• Empower the client to advocate for themself.
• Support clients in times of crisis
• Connect clients to community or natural supports.
• Document all contact in the Electronic Medical Record
• Work individually or in groups with adults and caregivers to build skills, promote resilience, and restore, rehabilitate, and support a client’s functioning
• Hours for this position are non-traditional and require flexibility in response.
• This position may require the use of a personal vehicle with reimbursement for mileage

QUALIFICATIONS

• OH NY Certification as a Peer Specialist or Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C)
• Demonstrate “lived experience” and can attest that one is actively in recovery from a mental health condition
• The parent or primary caregiver with lived experience parenting a child with social, emotional, developmental, or behavioral healthcare needs.
• Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency preferred, or a State Education Commencement Credential (e.g., SACC or CDOS). The State can waive this educational requirement if the person has demonstrated competencies and has relevant life experiences sufficient for the peer credential.
• Submit 2-3 letters of reference attesting to proficiency and suitability for the role.
• Complete 20 hours of continuing education and renew his or her FPA credential every two years.

REQUIRED EDUCATION
High School Diploma
Some College (preferred)
Bachelor’s in Social Work or Related Field (preferred)

Required experience:

• Lived experience as a person with a mental health condition

There are a variety of benefits to joining Family Services of Westchester, an organization with over 65 years of history impacting vulnerable communities. In addition to the opportunity to connect with and help thousands of residents in Westchester County, FSW offers its employees an inspiring, diverse, and team-based work environment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) and generous paid time off.

FSW is an equal-opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Posted On: April 17, 2024