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Agency Profile : Spectrum Health & Human Services partners with adults, children, and families as they recover from behavioral, emotional, mental health and/or substance related disorders by offering individualized and meaningful opportunities of hope, empowerment, and support to achieve self-defined improvements in their quality of life.

Full-time: 2040 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY

SUMMARY OF POSITION FUNCTION:

Peer specialists are adults who are individuals who have lived experience in a criminal justice environment. The Peer Specialist provides the Re-entry Care coordination team’s participants support from a lived-experience and non-clinical perspective.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Knowledge and demonstration of agency core values in day-to-day activities.

+ Provide engagement and support for individuals experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use challenges in their homes, and/or communities.

+ Provide education, peer counseling, assist with person centered goal planning, modeling effective coping skills, and facilitating community connections.

+ Provide services in an individual setting to promote recovery, self-advocacy, and the development of natural support and community living skills.

+ Work with care coordinators and individuals to assist with the identification of needs and assist with the engagement and follow up in meeting identified needs.

+ Promote advocacy on behalf of the individual and support self-advocacy.

+ Assist in the development and utilization of self-help tools if applicable.

+ Provide Peer recovery support

+ Provide transitional support in assisting with the successful transition into the community.

+ Assist individuals with securing needed resources, benefits and linkages necessary to be successful in the community.

+ Work with families to assist with identification of needed resources and to assist with supporting their loved ones on a successful transition back home.

+ Self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and empowerment

+ Build and maintain community connections and natural supports

+ Foster a positive role model relationship, especially in sharing one’s own recovery from behavioral health issues if applicable

+ Provide mobility training to individuals if needed to assist with managing transportation needs independently.

+ Complete all documentation as required and timely.

+ Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

+ Proficient in the use of computer software such as MSWord, Excel, Power Point, Desktop Publishing, Outlook, etc.

+ Ability to engage and connect with individuals and their families/support systems.

+ Motivational Interviewing

+ Ability to develop WRAP and or Wellness Management and Recovery

+ Will train in Motivational Interviewing and WRAP plans if no prior training has been received.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

+ Current NYCPS Certified Peer Specialist Credential or CRPA Certified Recovery Peer Advocate or working toward attaining it.

+ High school diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

+ Preferred one (1) year work-related experience

+ Utilization of electronic data systems (i.e. electronic records and computers)

+ Lived Experience in the Criminal Justice System

+ Must possess a valid Driver’s License and a vehicle with an acceptable driving record

COMPENSATION: $20.08/hr - $25.60/hr