Job Title: Per Diem Peer Companion in Walden, NY
Schedule/ Hours: Thursday and Friday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM / Saturday - 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Job Location: 108 Ulster Ave, Walden NY 12586
Job Summary: The Peer Companion staff will support the daily operations of our People USA rose house crisis respite. They provide peer support for each rose house guest and are available to instill hope, support wellness, and demonstrate that recovery is real and does happen. Peer companions must follow the peer specialist model and utilize trauma-informed techniques and tools, help guests set goals, and engage in community and social events. Must have personal lived experience with trauma, mental health, or substance abuse history. Positions may be asked to work Holidays.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
● Provide support for guests during the interview, intake, arrival, and departure.
● Share personal experience and encourage mental health wellness and recovery.
● Assist in connection to mental health services, community resources, entitlements, and other services as needed.
● Model and utilize Trauma Informed techniques and tools as outlined in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, SafeTALK, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
● Complete all necessary Academy of Peer Services (APS) online learning and complete NY State Peer Specialist Certification Application.
● Transport guests to store or appointments when needed, using an agency vehicle.
● Provide telephone support to peers in the community through the 24 hours peer warm line.
● Help maintain a clean, safe, and secure trauma-informed environment. Some cleaning duties may be assigned.
● Manage downtime with Guest wellness-focused activities and duties.
● Work cooperatively Rose House team and maintain clear, honest and respectful communication with team members
Job Requirements:
● Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language, and behaviors reflecting such values.
● Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
● Understanding of available community supports.
● Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
● Must have good time management skills and be self-directing.
● Must have reliable transportation.
Job Qualifications:
● At least one year in recovery from acute care environment
● Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY State Peer Specialist Certification or willingness to complete.
● A shared vision of hope for people experiencing a crisis.
● Work or Volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy, or human services.
● Basic knowledge of community support services/resources
● Completion of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training (preferred).
● Understanding of recovery and wellness vs. illness based system (preferred)
● Professional demeanor.
● Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Reports to Assistant Executive Director of Respite Services - Maria Kavouras & House Manager- Pamela Palmer
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement People USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. People USA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. People USA. expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of People USAs employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
