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VNS Health Peer Specialists/ Advocates 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/Advocates 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/ Advocates 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, clientsā 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, youāll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether youāre early in your career or an experienced professional. 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 donāt meet all criteriaĀ .
Compensation:
$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly
What We Provide
Referral bonus opportunitiesĀ Ā Ā
Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidaysĀ
Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and DisabilityĀ Ā
Employer-matched retirement saving fundsĀ
Personal and financial wellness programsāÆĀ
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent careāÆ and commuter transit program
Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degreesĀ
Opportunities for professional growth and career advancementāÆĀ
Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunitiesāÆāÆĀ
Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of ProfessionalsĀ
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What You Will Do
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Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services
Builds relationship and trust with clients and their family/caregiver and assists with their interactions with professionals on the teamĀ
Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patientsā homes, or schools, to engagefrequently with clients. Navigate emergency situationsĀ
Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/membersĀ
Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client/consumers/members
Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves asa role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as neededĀ
Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifyingrehabilitation and recovery goalsĀ
Teaches and models symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients totake a proactive role in their recovery process
Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoingeducation, guidance, support and encouragementĀ
Develops inventory of resources that will meet the client's needs as identified in theĀ assessment and or-treatment process.
Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect withcommunity-based services and supportsĀ
Documents in EMR in accordance with programpolicies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and city, state and federal regulatory requirementsĀ
Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriateĀ
Participates in in case conferences, staff meetings, supervision and training programs
Develops a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients/consumers/members. Serves as a bridge between team members and participant
For Certified Community Behavioral HealthĀ Clinical (CCBHC):Ā
Educates clients about the different types of treatment available, including medications for addiction treatmentĀ
Helps clients identify their strengths as well as obstacles to their recoveryĀ
Assists clients with applying for benefitsĀ
Provides resources for external and post-discharge services
Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating in treatment goals for clients/consumers/membersĀ
For IMT, ACT, MC, OMH Suicide Prevention:
Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patientsā homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situationsĀ
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent requiredĀ
FOR CCBHC ONLY: New York Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required
Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, substance use treatment program, health care or human services setting,preferred
Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substanceusing population, preferred
Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication and relationship building skills required
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team
Computer literacy (electronic health records, word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry), required
Valid New York State driverās license, as determined by operational/regional needs
Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, preferred
