Peer Support Specialist

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities.

Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale.

Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

This position works with the clinical team to implement care coordination when requested, which may include Peer Support Specialist as well as other community‑based services designed to stabilize the consumer's condition. They collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services. The Peer Support Specialist is instrumental in assisting in reducing higher levels of services such as ER admissions or inpatient psychiatric admissions.

Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. A 40‑hour work week, the schedule is to be determined by hiring manager upon hire. This position is a field‑based position with both a main office location and home‑based office. You will have the flexibility to work from home when not in the field.

Queens, NY and surrounding boroughs. Local travel up to 75% and mileage is reimbursed at current government rate.

• Use his/her own Recovery LIVED experience and training to assist families and consumers with defining their Recovery goals, and developing the skills and knowledge needed for the consumer’s recovery
• Experience working with consumers that have co‑occurring Disorder, i.e., Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
• Support the creation and assist with the implementation of a comprehensive Training and Education program with peers, families, Providers and staff
• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with existing Consumer and Family organizations, so members of those organizations become actively involved with Optum/Health Plan activities
• Communicate Plan information to consumers and Consumer‑operated organizations and with families and family organizations. In addition to communicating, a wide array of other topics including Clinical policies, analysis of data and Program evaluation
• Identify and outreach to community and leaders of ethnic minority groups to identify and develop programs that are both culturally competent and use recovery and resiliency
• As directed, serve as a designated member of Internal subcommittees
• Participate in Optum and Health Plan Quality Review processes
• Enable us to communicate effectively with consumers and their families about all aspects of the Mental Healthcare Delivery system as well as their rights and responsibilities
• As requested, provide support to consumers or family members in making needed appointments
• Work with the Clinical Program Managers and the Clinical team to implement intensive, enhanced care coordination when requested, which may include peer support as well as other community‑based services designed to stabilize the consumer’s condition, including working with the consumer in the development of a WRAP plan and a Crisis plan
• Be available to provide direct support to consumers being discharged from 24‑hour care or to refer them to a support group
• Assist and support consumers and family members with Grievance processes
• Collaborate with Care Managers, Providers, and Community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services
• Collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to identify consumers who may benefit from peer support
• Respond to concerns and questions from consumers and families
• Participate in Treatment planning with consumers and families who request that support
• Work with community agencies along with and/or on behalf of consumers and families
• Provide feedback about Treatment planning development based on…