Peer Specialist - VNS Health : Job Details

OverviewVNS Health Peer Specialists/ Advocates are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists/Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists/ Advocates directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community.VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients' homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you'll have anopportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional. Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don't meet all criteria .

What We Provide

• Referral bonus opportunities

• Generous paid time off(PTO), starting at20 daysof paid time offand 9 companyholidays

• Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability

• Employer-matched retirement savingfunds

• Personal and financial wellness programs 

• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care  andcommuter transit program

• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees

• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement 

• Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities  

• Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals

What You Will Do

• Conducts phone and field outreach tolocateand enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services

• Builds relationship and trust with clients and their family/caregiver and assists with their interactions with professionals on the team

• Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs andidentifysolutions to support clients/consumers/members

• Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client/consumers/members

• Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves asa role model,advocateand mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments asneeded

• Advocates effectiverecovery-basedservices on behalf of clients/consumers/members.Assistsin clarifyingrehabilitation and recoverygoals

• Teaches and models symptom management and coping skillsfor resilience.Empowersclients totake a proactive role in their recoveryprocess

• Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoingeducation, guidance,supportandencouragement

• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the client's needs asidentifiedin theassessmentand or-treatmentprocess

• Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect withcommunity-based services andsupports

• Documents in EMRin accordance withprogrampolicies/procedures, VNS Health standards, andcity, state and federalregulatory requirements

• Assistsclients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate

• Participates incase conferences, staff meetings, supervision and training programs

• Develops a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients/consumers/members. Serves as a bridge between team members and participant

• For Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinical (CCBHC):

• Educates clients about the different types of treatment available, including medications for addiction treatment

• Helps clients identify their strengths as well as obstacles to their recovery

• Assists clients with applying for benefits

• Provides resources for external and post-discharge services

• Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating in treatment goals for clients/consumers/members

• For IMT, ACT, MC, OMH Suicide Prevention:

• Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients' homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Minimum of oneyearexperience in a mental health,substance use treatment program,health care or human servicessetting,preferred

• Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substanceusing population, preferred

• Effective oral/written/interpersonal communicationand relationship buildingskills required

• Ability to workindependently andcollaboratively on an interdisciplinary team

• Computer literacy (electronic health records, word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry), required

• Valid New York State driver's license, asdeterminedby operational/regional needs

• Bilingual skillsin English and Spanish, preferred

Compensation$20.98 - $26.23 HourlyAbout UsVNS Healthis one of the nation's largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 130 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us—we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their familyand community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24/7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 “neighbors” who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.