The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.
MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.
Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of men, women, children and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.
Join our Team! We have an exciting new opportunity for a part-time (21 hour per week) Peer Specialist in our Westchester Peer Recovery Network (WRN) Program in Tarrytown, NY.
SUMMARY of DUTIES
WRN is a program committed to recovery-focused mental health services through peer support, advocacy, community education and direct services. WRN is committed to providing person-centered, self-directed peer support services that promote empowerment and fully informed participation in recovery services.
SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsibilities include direct participant contact, outreach, curriculum development, social network and curriculum-based group facilitation, community oversight and crisis phone support as scheduled.
2. Complete all required electronic documentation on a timely basis as required and assigned.
3. This position may include supervision of peer intern-volunteers as assigned.
4. Attend regularly scheduled supervisory sessions.
5. Facilitate services up to two evenings per week and one week-end day as arranged with supervisor.
6. Other related duties as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS
1. The Recovery Specialist needs to become aware of all relevant peer, employment, educational, housing, entitlement and social resources in the community and proactively facilitate connection to these services with participants as requested.
2. Complete required MHA and program specific trainings, including Defensive Driving, First Aid, Worker Safety Protocol, Incident Reporting, Peer Supported Open Dialogue and Corporate Compliance training and comply with/incorporate these trainings into your work as a Recovery Specialist.
3. This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and possibility of robust recovery for people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. The Recovery Specialist must have a combination of professional training and experience, including a minimum of Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college and a minimum of 2 years work experience in human services.
2. A Provisional Certification by the NYS Academy of Peer Specialists.
3. We offer a professional and responsive work environment, providing room for personal growth as well as career advancement.
4. Persons with disclosed lived experience as a recipient of mental health services, substance use disorder treatment and /or of personal recovery are encouraged to apply.
5. The Recovery Specialist must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
6. Basic Computer knowledge and ability to document in an electronic health record is required.
7. The Recovery Specialist must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
8. The Recovery Specialist must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
9. The Recovery Specialist must be cleared NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
10. The Recovery Specialist must be cleared by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
11. The Recovery Specialist must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
12. The Recovery Specialist must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.
To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé by e-mail to employment@mhawestchester.org with “WRN Recovery Specialist” as the subject line of the e-mail. Thank you.