BALTIC STREET AEH
PEER BRIDGER POSITIONS
Program: OMH Adult Home Project Staten Island
Position Summary: This project is designed to provide peer support services to people transitioning from adult homes into the community through individual and group peer support meetings.
The mission of Baltic Street AEH, Inc. is to help improve the quality of life for people vulnerable to mental illness by providing a broad continuum of trauma-informed care with a focus on wellness and resiliency. We believe that all the people we serve can lead meaningful lives and successfully manage their mental health. Every individual we serve receives support to help them address their whole health needs, develop coping strategies and connect with critical resources such as housing, education and employment.
Hours of Work: Full time – 40 hours per week, non-exempt
Salary ; 36,000 to 40,000 depending on experience.
Source of Supervision: Project Manager
Major Responsibilities/Activities:
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Offer positive, supportive peer relationships that foster trust and hope for positive change, choice, wellness, recovery and personal empowerment
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Present a positive example of a person with lived experience who has been successful at managing their own recovery by actively investing in/maintaining their personal wellness
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Provides one-on-one and/or group support and continued short-term-support services following relocation
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Teach community adjustment and wellness self-management skills
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Assist with developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
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Help identify and/or re-engage with family, friends and other natural supports
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Provide education and resources that support wellness self-management, self-determination, and self-advocacy
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Continue with individuals after transition to identify and engage with a range of community-based services and supports
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Complete detailed written record of activities in a timely and accurate manner
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Report to and meet with BSAEH supervisor on a regularly scheduled basis
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Attend trainings and meeting as required and assigned by supervisor, funder and BSAEH
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Perform other duties as required and assigned
Requirements:
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Demonstrate experience with and knowledge of the New York State mental health and substance abuse systems
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Demonstrate knowledge of advocacy, self-help and empowerment programs for recipients of mental health and substance abuse services
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Have the ability to be a role model and convey a message of hope and wellness for people diagnosed with mental illness
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Have the ability to complete basic documentation requirements regarding work activities
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Have at least one year experience working as a peer
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Are New York State Certified Peer Specialists – or must be certified within 6 months of hiring
Required personal skills:
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Must pass a criminal history background check
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Must have a GED or academic High School diploma; college degree in related field preferred
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Must have lived experience with the public mental health system
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Must have basic computer skills – knowledge of Foothold Technology’s AWARDS system a plus
BSAEH offers a competitive salary and a benefits package which includes health coverage, paid time off and paid vacations.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and wage requirements to:
Baltic Street AEH, Inc.
9201 4th Avenue – 5th floor
Brooklyn, New York 11209
Phone- 718-833-5929
Fax-718-833-5930
COMMUNITY ACCESS
PEER BRIDGER, ADULT HOME INITIATIVE
What is Community Access?
Community Access is a progressive not-for-profit organization that expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 20 locations and include over 1,200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, a new Adult Home Initiative, advocacy and Supported Education programs, a peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, and other initiatives.
What is the Adult Home Initiative?
The Adult Home Initiative (AHI) is a new Peer Support project providing opportunities for residents of Adult Homes who have mental health concerns to transition into community-based supportive housing. The project emerged from a NYS class action settlement between NYS and plaintiffs residing in NYC Adult Homes.
The AHI team will provide Peer supports as desired and needed by the residents, during each phase of the process: in-reach, assessment, HRA approval, and moving transition. These individualized and group-based supports will expose residents to opportunities, develop self-advocacy skills, promote informed choice, and enhance community engagement. Adult Home locations are in Queens, primarily in the Rockaways, and in the Bronx.
Position Overview
The Peer Bridger works to develop mentoring and supportive relationships with NYC Adult Home Residents, promoting connection and hope in an independent future in Supported Housing. The Peer Bridger engages residents in peer-based services to identify and overcome barriers to housing transition, addressing questions and fears, while building self-advocacy and systems-navigation skills.
All staff are responsible for incorporating the following principles into their work: participants’ right to self-determination; respectful communication; and delivering services consistent with and nurturing each participant’s cultural background, experience, identity, and values.
Key Qualifications
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Recipient/survivor of mental health services
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Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
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Strong understanding and practice of peer support, recovery, wellness and related services
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Possess strong engagement, and oral and written communication, skills
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Ability to work as part of the team
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Ability to travel and work afternoons, evenings and weekends
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Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel
Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply. CA is committed to the hiring of at least 51% consumer staff in all of its departments and programs, and at all levels of management. This is a full time position, 40 hours per week; the hourly rate is $19.23, plus excellent benefits.
For a full list of qualifications and to apply, please visit www.communityaccess.org/jobs.