Peer Support Specialist (Req 100822)

$16 - $18/Yr

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center - Albany, NY

- Entry Level

Albany, NY

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

Under the direction of the CPTS Program Manager, or designee, the Peer Support Specialist will be responsible for the development and on-going provision of peer support services within the project. This position will also provide a consumer perspective and consultation on program implementation. Peer support services are distinct from case management, behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services and provide opportunities for sharing of information and resources, with the goal of promoting self-advocacy and facilitating the development of support networks by and for persons living with HIV and HCV and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development of recovery skills among assigned patients with mental health and substance use concerns as a member of the treatment team.
• Serve as a mentor/role model demonstrating competency in recovery, effective coping skills and self-help strategies.
• Serve as a patient advocate, education, and provide crisis intervention support for participants during emergencies in conjunction with the CPTS Program Manager.
• Support the medical case manager in developing a comprehensive treatment plan for patients.
• Conduct HIV and HCV rapid testing and link patients to follow up testing and treatment as necessary.
• Provide basic HIV and HCV information to patients enrolled in the Project and supports individuals newly diagnosed with HIV and HCV in engaging in ongoing primary medical care, medication adherence, and viral load suppression.
• Assist with teaching independent living skills, make referrals to programs for instruction on life skills, livelihood skills and workplace readiness skills necessary for successful reintegration into family life, the work force and the community.
• Actively participate with other health professionals in the development of policies and procedures, committees and groups as assigned. Provide guidance, consultation, and lend insight to program development and administration from the perspective of a consumer.
• Participate in the Consumer Advisory Board.

Requirements

• Requires an AA degree in a human services related field; or completion of the peer training program such as the Leadership Training Institute and at least two years of paid or volunteer work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, serious substance use disorders, or diagnosis of HIV and HCV.
• Must be a current or past participant of behavioral health, substance use, co-occurring behavioral health services or HIV/HCV treatment program(s).
• Must have basic computer skills and good telephone skills.