Peer Specialist

Job Definition

The Peer Specialist functions as a member of an interdisciplinary care coordinator team to assist with the outreach, support and coordination of care for those eligible for and/or served by the Forensic ACT Team, including chronically medically ill individuals with co-occurring mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. The Peer Specialist serves as a role model and/or health coach for clients.

High School Diploma or GED. A peer credential recognized by the Office of Mental Health and receipt of specialized training and supervision preferred, or a provisional certification is required to be acquired within 6 months of employment.

• Relevant life experience required: personal experience living with a disability and/or social/emotional challenge, and willingness to draw upon this experience to serve as a role model to support the recovery model within the Health Home model.
• Current New York State Driver’s License.
• Clean DMV Record.
• Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance.

• Provide outreach to clients to facilitate their engagement in services available via the Forensic ACT Team.
• Provide health coaching and recovery support, especially on issues of self-advocacy, wellness self-management, medication adherence, smoking cessation, entitlements, and daily living activities.
• Assist with and coordinate clients’ transportation to appointments, including provision of travel training as needed.
• Accompany clients to medical and/or other appointments to facilitate their engagement and follow through as needed.
• Provide concrete service delivery to clients (i.e., benefits/enrollments) as per program needs.
• Maintain documents, records, statistics, and other related reports in an organized, timely and accurate manner as per policy and procedure.
• Coordinate care planning with other providers of services/resources to ensure goal-directed, collaborative care, including care transitions.
• Work as part of the Forensic ACT team; attend and participate in team meetings to provide input/feedback around psychosocial conditions/co-morbidities to review client status, update plans and goals, review outcomes to further program goals.
• Act as a resource/consultant to all team members on psychosocial and/or substance abuse issues and resources.
• Provide telehealth, collateral as well as face-to-face outreach, engagement and service planning in the field.
• Act as a linkage to community services including medical, behavioral, residential, entitlement and any other needed services per interdisciplinary care plan.
• Monitor overall service delivery to clients to ensure coordination and continuity; advocate with service providers/resources as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and follow-up.
• Facilitate sharing of data with the individuals to whom it applies to facilitate partnered decision-making and to keep clients informed of progress.
• Complete QI Training during onboarding and participate in QI refresher training as needed.
• Ability to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views and experiences.
• Adherence to all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Health and Safety Awareness: include any relevant knowledge or experience regarding health and safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• $0 Deductible Platinum Plus Medical Insurance Plan – 90% Employer Provided Benefit
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Long Term and Short Term Disability
• Legal Plan
• Dependent Care Expense Account
• Life Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• HRA
• Training programs including a Mentorship program
• Employees may be eligible for Federal/Public Student Loan Forgiveness
• Career growth and Promotional opportunities
• Employee Perks and Discounts to Broadway shows and more
• 5 Personal Days, 10‑20 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, 12 Company Paid Holidays yearly and so much more.

It is the policy of CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.