Organization: People USA
Position: LEAD Peer Specialist
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Work Schedule: Momday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM
Pay Rate: $24.04 per hour
Job Summary:
LEAD exists to establish a new system of response and care for people who live with unmanaged behavioral health needs, deep experiences of complex trauma, cognitive disabilities, persistent poverty and often lifelong experiences of punishment, failure, betrayal, and marginalization-people who are not served by office-based, appointment-based, and time-limited care.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide peer outreach, direction, and support.
- Provide opportunities for formal and informal peer support among participants.
- Help organize and facilitate community events and experiences for participants.
- Assist LEAD team with participant engagement and make suggestions for engaging participants who display ongoing reluctance or otherwise decline outreach.
- Help participants identify wanted and needed services and assist with connection to those services as well as scheduling appointments.
- Transport participants to services and provide support at those service appointments via agency vehicle.
- Provide advocacy for participants.
- Conduct outreach, make follow-ups and complete service plans for participants identified in maintenance stage.
- Attend Operation Work group (OWG) as scheduled and any other community-based meetings as suggested or appointed by supervisor or delegate.
- Must develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with all LEAD partners and other service providers, law enforcement, and LEAD participants demonstrating ability to provide street-based outreach and engagement with complex population.
- Willing and able to engage in the policies and procedures related to managing crisis situations in the community as outlined by the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health and the LEAD Project Manager. (May include but not limited to contacting Helpline, Mobile crisis team, the police, and/or utilizing the Dutchess County Stabilization Center).
- Attend City of Poughkeepsie Court to facilitate diversion referrals and meet with participants in attendance.
- To perform duties assigned by supervisor or delegate, otherwise not listed above.
Minimum Job Qualifications:
- Individual who identifies as being in recovery from behavioral health challenges.
- Willingness to work with a team to engage individuals with complex needs in a community setting.
- Knowledge of harm reduction approaches and a willingness to work outside of an office setting with individuals with complex needs.
- Possess a driver’s license with ability to be insured.
- Undergo and pass background checks and clearances prior to starting in their position.
- Certification as a NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) is preferred, but not required.
Reports to - Site Director, Dutchess County Stabilization Center
