Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate

MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY PEER ADVOCATE
WITH THE MOBILE CRISIS ASSESSMENT TEAM (MCAT)

Full-time position with excellent benefits package. Basic work schedule is 37.5 hour per week; Monday-Friday, 2:00pm – 10:00pm with some flexibility required at times.

Join a dynamic, supportive and dedicated team providing critical services to our communities. We are looking for caring people who have a deep commitment to helping others succeed.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate will assist clients in defining their personal recovery goals for mental health and substance use through the use of outreach, advocacy, mentoring and recovery support services. Through the provision of a variety of peer support services, the MCAT Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate will work to increase the client’s involvement in treatment, life planning, and decision-making. The MCAT Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate will assist with personal empowerment, helping clients to develop appropriate skills for self-advocacy. The MCAT Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate will work to assist clients to increase access to appropriate services and supports while decreasing the need for future acute services. The MCAT Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate has personal experience with mental illness and addiction recovery system and will share their skills and knowledge directly with clients, as well as through modeling and social learning. The MCAT Mental Health and Recovery Peer Advocate may perform duties in other agency programs and services as assigned.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Coordinate with MCAT Supervisors, Crisis Counselors, Mental Health Crisis Support Counselors and Crisis Case Managers and communicate regarding case assignments.
• Conduct well-calls and home visits as assigned to clients with ongoing serious symptoms and follow-up calls for clients transitioning from in-patient to out-patient settings, clients referred for outpatient services, and clients that have not followed through with referrals/recommendations for services.
• Co-facilitate groups and activities which foster client’s individual development and empowerment.
• Assist clients in developing and discussing the practical application of symptom management skills, life-skills, self-care skills, and socialization skills.
• Provide one-on-one social interaction, advocacy and individual support with clients as appropriate including as an acting support at court or other system meetings.
• Utilize the MCAT Electronic Health Records system for documentation and record maintenance.
• Complete required documentation accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
• Complete face-to-face engagements for crises events in conjunction with crisis providers and Crisis Case Managers and follow up visits for the purpose of wellness checks, linkage efforts, or for the delivery of MCAT materials or documents which assure greater compliance with treatment.
• Attend and participate in staff/agency meetings and training as assigned.
• Adhere to professional ethics, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and maintain confidentiality of protected health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
• Maintain self in a professional manner at all times, adhering to the Neighborhood Center, Inc.’s policies and procedures and in keeping with the Agency’s Mission Statement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
As per guidelines for the NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS):

• 18 years of age or older
• Required: High School Diploma/Equivalency Diploma and at least one (1) year of experience working with the target population.

OR

• Preferred: Associate’s Degree in a Human Services related field preferred
• Must obtain the New York State Peer Specialist Certification and Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) within an acceptable time frame as deemed by The Neighborhood Center, Inc. and any regulatory bodies.
• Personal experience with the mental health and substance use delivery services systems.
• Valid Driver’s License and transportation required.
• Has sufficient knowledge of recovery through overcoming the challenges resulting from a diagnosis of substance use and/or mental illness, or through being a caregiver/professional working with an individual using recovery services.
• Experience working well as a team member.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals and agencies within the community.

At The Neighborhood Center, Inc, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the success of our organization and are dedicated to creating a workplace that welcomes and values all individuals. We strive to create a culture that fosters respect, openness, and understanding, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for open positions.