Peer Specialist – Young Adult Housing

Reports to: Program Manager – Enhanced Young Adult Housing

Location: 1603 Court Street, Syracuse, NY 13208

Pay Rate: $17.09 - $18.76

Schedule: Multiple Schedules Available

The people we care for come from all walks of life, and so do we. We strive to diversify our workforce, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our agency stronger!

About Us

With a history stretching back more than 70 years, AccessCNY is continually growing and expanding our reach. Offering person-centered services that empower individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential as part of our community. Our focus is supporting individuals by ways of residential housing, mental health and clinical services, and immersing our participants in community engagement. Working closely with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Mental Health, we support 27 housing locations and 3 administrative buildings.

About the Role:

We are looking for a proactive employee to work as personal supportive staff to provide direct services to participants to help them maintain control over their lives and their own recovery process.

Responsibilities:

• Engaging and empathizing with individuals with psychiatric labels experiencing crisis based on common experience
• Facilitating the development of crisis self-help skills, support systems, coping strategies, increased hope and self-esteem through individual and group interactions
• Assisting individuals in identifying and exercising their rights and support people to advocate for their need
• Gain and share knowledge of the goals and objectives of the mental health consumer/survivor/ex-patient movement
• Complete program documentation in a timely manner and per Agency and NYS Office of Mental Health standards. Documentation includes, but is not limited to, service notes, person-centered service plans, assessments, etc.
• Work collaboratively with participants, families, program staff, co-workers and supervisor

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent GED strongly preferred. Must have personal lived experience with the mental health services system. Experience providing services to young adults or children preferred. OMH-endorsed Peer Credential expected (Youth Peer Advocate Credential: YPA-C or the New York Certified Peer Specialist Certification: NYCPS). If applicants do not hold a NYCPS or YPA-C, must seek provisional credentialing within 6 months of hire.

Conditions of Employment:

Must have a valid New York State driver’s license in accordance with the Agency Vehicle and Driving policy and transportation necessary to meet program needs. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Did you know that AccessCNY offers great health, dental and vision insurance? Additionally we provide a 401(k) match upon hire, PTO, and 11 paid holidays.