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Peer specialist

Brooklyn, New York Social Services
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Job ID R010685
Overview

VNS Health Peer Specialists 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 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 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 an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional.


Compensation:

$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly

What We Provide

  • Referral bonus opportunities  

  • Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays

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

  • Employer-matched retirement saving funds

  • Personal and financial wellness programs 

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

  • 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 to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services

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

  • Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions 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, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed

  • Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifyingrehabilitation and recovery goals

  • Teaches symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients totake a proactive role in their recovery journey and helps the client be an advocate for themself

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

  • Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients/consumers/members needs as identified in theassessment process.

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

  • Documents contacts with clients/consumers/members in EMR in accordance with programpolicies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and regulatory requirements

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

  • Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned.

  • FOR Recovery Coordination Agency (RCA):

  • Participates in initial and ongoing trainings as necessary to maintain current knowledge of Health Home,HARP HCBS and DOH processesMaintains knowledge of the service providers in the HCBS, MCO and health home network if applicable

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


Qualifications
  • High school degree or equivalent required

  • Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) and/or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Certification(s) may be required

  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) & Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CERPA)preferred

  • Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, health care or human services setting,preferred

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

  • Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team

  • Computer fluency

  • Valid New York State driver’s license, as determined by operational/regional needs

  • Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs

  • 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


About Us

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 125 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 family and 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.

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  • Social Services, Brooklyn, New York, United StatesRemove

Organizational Structure

At VNS Health, we drive and support a culture of innovation by providing team members with the tools and resources to explore innovative ideas on their own. In addition to being a healthcare services organization, we are on the… [more]

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Mission & Values

As a team member of VNS Health, you share a passion for improving the health of patients through best-in-class care in the home and the community.

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Inclusive Culture

At VNS Health, our priority is to create an environment where every team member feels they belong and are included.

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Total Rewards

We provide our team members a well-rounded employment experience, competitive compensation, and a robust and affordable benefits package that serves you and your family. Our Total Rewards Program at VNS Health is an investment in your health, wealth and life.

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