Senior Peer Support Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Senior Peer Support Specialist to join our team in MHA's Self-Help Drop-in Center. Our Drop-In Center is a safe, inclusive space where individuals can receive compassionate, non-clinical support in times of crisis. 

Job Summary:
In addition to the roles and responsibilities of a Peer Support Specialist, the Senior Peer Support Specialist assists the Program Director with mentoring new and existing staff and in carrying out day-to-day operations of the department.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)  

• Peer Support Services
• Engages individuals in a personal, supportive manner, creating relationships that emphasize wellness and recovery. 
• Provides individuals with services consistent with the department goals and outcomes. This may include individual, group and/or support services. This may include providing services at the program site and/or in the community. 
• Addresses mental health concerns and behaviors by providing department services. 
• Empowers participants to be self-advocates in their own lives. 
• Collaborates with community resources and makes referrals as necessary. 
• Maintains appropriate documentation in a timely manner consistent with department requirements and HIPAA regulations. 
• Mentorship of Department Peer Support Specialists
• Serves as a point person to staff to successfully fulfill their responsibilities as a Peer Support Specialist within the department. 
• Supports an organizational culture of being culturally sensitive and trauma informed. 
• Ensures organizational policies and procedures are adhered to consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations. 
• Serves as supervisor in the absence of the Director. 
• Day to Day Operations
• Assists Program Director to ensure that services are adequately staffed, department deadlines are met, meetings are scheduled, and departmental efficiencies and operational improvements are made. 
• Plans and organizes events, staff training and department engagement activities. 
• Carries out identified tasks consistent with fulfilling department goals and outcomes.
• Other
• Schedules meetings and appointments (both in person and virtually) as needed. Ensures all attendees have communication regarding meeting location, etc. 
• Documents and distributes accurate notes from meetings in a timely manner. 
• Attends meetings as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None 

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in a Human Service-related field or equivalent experience. 
• Minimum of two years’ experience providing peer/youth/family support services. 
• Experience and knowledge of the public mental health system. 
• Personal lived experience with mental health required
• Must have obtained either a provisional peer certification (and obtain permanent certification within one year of hire) or have peer certification as required by the department for which they will work (adult/youth/family). Certification must be maintained throughout employment. (NYCPS or CRPA)

Work Hours:

• The standard work week is 35 hours. 
• Anticipated schedule: M-W-F 9 am-5 pm and Tu-Th 1pm - 9 pm
• This work cannot be performed from home or in hybrid format.  

Compensation:

• Compensation will be in the range of $26-28/hr.