Peer Support Specialist

LOCATION: Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) 

186-188 North Water Street, Rochester, NY 14604 

The Peer Support Specialist is a full-time grant-funded position administered through the Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY).  RAWNY is a not-for-profit agency created as a reentry one-stop to provide services and support to individuals released from local, state, or federal correctional settings.  RAWNY staff provide case management, peer/mentoring, referral services, and support to clients by addressing systemic barriers to reentry, enhancing public safety, and increasing successful reentry. 

Peer Support Specialists promote community integration, resiliency, and quality of life objectives with clients and/or family members. When appropriate and helpful to the client, Peer Support Specialists share relevant personal experiences that foster hope, and resiliency and decrease stigmatization of mental illness. These services may be provided on an individual or group basis. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand and acknowledge the core values and mission of the agency  
• Create a positive and welcoming environment for clients, visitors, and staff as a committed team member 
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all confidentiality requirements including HIPPA and adhering to all agency policies, procedures, and regulations 
• Provide peer support and mentoring, drawing on common experiences as a peer, by encouraging them to regain hope in, and control over, their own lives
• Mentor clients to build self-advocacy skills, navigate health systems, build natural supports, and find meaningful activities that promote a sense of purpose, structure and inclusion in the community
• Together with clients, create and schedule pro-social recreational activities
• Mentor clients to explore networking through existing advisory groups and client-run organizations; if applicable, help clients become involved as an advocate for others
• Provide individual and group services (appropriate to scope) for enrolled clients including facilitating support groups
• Mentor clients to build and maintain community living skills and access community resources
• Partner with team members to review cases, gain consultation and co-facilitate group
• Maintain client records and all other required documentation in a timely and confidential manner, in accordance with agency policies and practices
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

• The Peer Support Specialist position requires the individual to have lived experience with incarceration or experienced the incarceration of a close family member
• CRPA Certification (Certified Recovery Peer Certification)
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must have reliable transportation and an active, clean driver's license
• Able to maintain a clean driver's license and provide proof as requested
• Experience working with formerly incarcerated clients, individuals with mental health, substance abuse history, and/or co-occurring disorders 
• Must be highly organized and multi-task with refined interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills 
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment, working both independently and as an integral member of the team 
• Able to pass random drug screen as requested 
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid preferred
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply
• Mobility: Ability to move throughout the building as needed (with reasonable accommodation if required). 
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to staff, stakeholders, and clients. 
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to use a computer, phone, and other office equipment regularly. 
• Vision: Close vision required for reading reports, creating documents, and working on a computer (accommodations available as needed). 
• Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and/or move items up to 20 lbs.
• Travel: Ability to travel locally, occasionally or frequently, as dictated by program needs. 

BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

• Full-time schedule working 35 hours weekly  

(Schedule: Monday - Thursday 8 am – 4 pm and Friday 8 am –1 pm) 

• Salary ranges from $ 40,000-$42,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Life insurance 
• PTO package including 
• Paid holidays 
• Paid vacation 
• Sick time accrual  
• Short and long-term disability options in accordance with NYS requirements  
• Professional development and ongoing specialized training opportunities focused on effectively assisting high risk clients with a myriad of barriers to successful reintegration into the community 

Reentry Association of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage prospective candidates to apply that have lived experience and diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person