JOB OVERVIEW
JOB TITLE: Addict to Addict (A2A) Peer Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Mental Health PEER Connection (MHPC)
LOCATION: Buffalo, N.Y.
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Director, MHPC
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Provide Rapid Peer Support Services to individuals with substance use and addiction issues including those being treated in Hospital Emergency Rooms throughout Erie County, due to substance use medical emergency.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Meet individuals admitted to the emergency room, for substance use disorders, and inform them about recovery and sharing personal recovery story.
- Responsible, when on call, to respond to calls from the answering service in a timely manner not to exceed a 24-hour time frame.
- Provide Peer counseling to individuals to assist in making informed decisions regarding seeking help with substance use disorder.
- Provide information and referral to individual and family supporters in navigating services available to prevent re-occurrence.
- Be a liaison with hospital, treatment, family and community providers in linking individuals to proper support in the community, once discharged, avoiding future substance abuse episode.
- Provide immediate follow through, once discharged from the hospital, in making initial contact with positive community and / or medical supports.
- Provide peer support during times when traditional treatment services are unavailable, which includes after business hours, weekends and some holidays.
- Develop individual services plans / Independent living plans with individuals seeking ongoing supports.
- Offer to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Independent Living Assessment to those being served who are interested.
- Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in Western New York Independent Living, Inc.’s (WNYIL’s) Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) within two (2) working days of the date of service.
- Facilitate at least two (2) Community Forums per month, throughout Erie County, in addressing the needs of dealing with substance use disorder.
- Provide Naloxone trainings throughout the community.
- Provide the peer perspective to professional providers and family in an effort to understand the perspective of the individual being served.
- Be a liaison and advocate with existing medical and community supports.
- Attend Agency’s in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.
- Participate in maintaining a neat, clean and safe work environment.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Within six (6) months of employment, the candidate must be a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA).
- Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.
High school diploma or equivalent
OR
Associate Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field.
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)
- High school diploma or equivalent requires three (3) years of related experience.
- Associate degree requires two (2) years of related experience.
- Bachelor’s degree requires one (1) year work experience with disabled adults or related experience.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Criminal background check will be conducted.
- The applicant must be a current or former consumer of mental health services.
- Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks.
- Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office / Community
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB: Sitting for extended periods of time.
Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.
HOURS / SHIFTS: 37.5 – 40 hours per week. M – F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Overtime rarely required.
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, salary, non-exempt, Professional staff.
Range: $40,000 - $45,000
BENEFITS: Agency provided group health insurance.
Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available.
PTO and paid holiday package.
403(b) retirement with Agency match.
Employee Assistance Program
OTHER: Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free agency.
POSTING INFORMATION
Closing Date: March 1, 2023
Cover Letter and Resume Required to:
Tina Brown, CHRCO
WNY Independent Living, Inc,
3108 Main St.
Buffalo, N.Y. 14214
Employment@wnyil.org