MHAW’s Recovery Center East Peer Specialist is a New York State Certified trained peer specialist who has their own lived experience with a psychiatric diagnosis, substance abuse, trauma and/or experiences as a person who has in the past or is now using mental health services. Peer specialists establish positive, strength-based, inspiring supportive relationships with individuals from all communities.

• Provide individualized support and coaching to people who have been affected by being given a psychiatric diagnosis, substance use challenges and/or trauma to choose and build upon resources and opportunities to attain or sustain meaningful, healthy and satisfying lifestyles.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate key activities, events, and outings including, but not limited to, individual coaching, peer support groups and teamwork with colleagues to develop and sustain a positive Recovery Center culture.
• Design, coordinate, and schedule activities/events that are consistent with the expressed needs, interests, and passions of individuals who participate with the Recovery Center East.
• Assist in creating, maintaining, and locating safe environments that offer opportunity for participants to engage and connect with each other.
• Develop relationships with surrounding mental health agencies to engage their participants in the utilization of The Recovery Center East’s services.
• Have adaptability to change with in work tasks as no one day at The Recovery Center East is the same. Having the flexibility to effectively adjust to the ever changing work structures, processes, requirements, and cultures.
• Utilize strong communication and computer skills and resource abilities in the generation in the production of event/ activity flyers and web page updates.
• Attend and participate in weekly supervision and other required staff meetings. Take advantage of learning opportunities offered via web and other workshops.
• Maintain required documentation in a timely manner in accordance with MHAW standards and funding source requirements.

This position is intended for an individual who has personal lived experience with receiving or has received mental health services or a psychiatric diagnosis. The ideal candidate will be able to connect with and offer support to others through the lens of shared lived experience. The successful applicant should demonstrate, or be able to quickly develop, the following skills and abilities:

• Qualifications include, but not limited to having a high school diploma or GED and their New York Peer Specialist Certification
• Have at least one year experience in direct services working with persons who have been given a psychiatric diagnosis and/or trauma survivors
• Must be calm, patient, empathetic, supportive, have excellent listening skills and the ability to relate positively and enthusiastically to a wide variety of people
• Basic knowledge of the public health/behavioral health system including, but not limited to; mental health services and public entitlements
• Basic knowledge in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Social Media.
• Willingness and availability to attend trainings, conferences, workshops, webinars to enhance their abilities and awareness of best practice
• Clean NY State Driver’s License
• Must be comfortable driving an agency van which will include transportation for clients
• Bi-lingual, English/Spanish is a plus

Please send a cover letter expressing your interest and resume to: Kathy Elfers, Chief People and Experience Officer at kelfers@mhaw.org