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 ProvideÂ
- Referral bonus opportunities  Â
- Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidaysÂ
- Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Â
- Employer-matched retirement saving fundsÂ
- Personal and financial wellness programs Â
- Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care  Â
- Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degreesÂ
- Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement Â
- Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities  Â
- Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of ProfessionalsÂ
What You Will Do
- Â 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 engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situationsÂ
- Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/membersÂ
- Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationship and trust with the client/consumers/members
- Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as neededÂ
- Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goalsÂ
- Teaches symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients to take a proactive role in their recovery journey and helps the client be an advocate for themselfÂ
- Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragementÂ
- Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients/consumers/members needs as identified in the assessment process. Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supportsÂ
- Documents contacts with clients/consumers/members in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and regulatory requirementsÂ
- Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriateÂ
- 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 processes
- Maintains knowledge of the service providers in the HCBS, MCO and health home network if applicableÂ
Qualifications
- High school degree or equivalent requiredÂ
- Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) and/or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Certification(s) may be requiredÂ
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) & Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CERPA) preferredÂ
- 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 substance using population, preferred
- Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team
- Computer fluencyÂ
- 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