Peer Counselor

Title: Peer CounselorProgram: The Support and Connection CenterSalary: $43000 per yearProgram Description: The Support and Connection Center (Center) provides 24/7 short stay engagement stabilization and treatment services for adults with mental health and/or substance use issues referred directly by NYPD as an alternative to the traditional police responses of arrest summons or transport to an emergency room. Guests are referred to the Center when their infractions are non-violent and/or low-level offenses such as loitering trespass public inebriation and disorderly conduct. The goal of the Center is to help guests begin to identify and modify the behaviors that result in repeated police contact. An OASAS licensed outpatient clinic located on site provides services to guests who are maximum length of stay is 5 Responsibilities:Under the general supervision of the Assistant Program Director the Peer Advocate is responsible for providing a wide range of engagement counseling and supportive services to Duties and Responsibilities: The essential duties include but are not limited to the following activities depending on the assigned shift:Assumes a lead role in guest engagement activitiesCollaborates with staff to develop an environment conducive to recoveryProvides recovery-based services including WRAPPromotes problem-solving and decision-making skills development including identifying positive supports and activitiesAccompanies guests to appointments as neededActs as an advocate and support guests self-advocacyModels effective coping skillsFacilitates guest engagement with community-based recovery and support servicesProvide support in case management responsibilitiesPerforms other duties as assigned by supervisory staffQualifications:High School Diploma or GEDNYS Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer AdvocateAt least two (2) years working in the field of peer advocacyLived experience as a consumer of behavioral health services is preferredAn ability to work independently and to adjust ones schedules to accommodate the needs of the guestsExperience working directly with people from diverse racial ethnic and socioeconomic backgroundsAn ability to interface with guests as well as all levels of staff and providersExcellent oral writing and listening skillsKnowledge of Microsoft Office SuiteBilingual skills a plus