OverviewVNS Health Peer Specialists/ Advocates are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists/Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists/ Advocates directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community.
VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional. Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don’t meet all criteria .
Compensation:$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly
What We Provide
Referral bonus opportunities
Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays
Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability
Employer-matched retirement saving funds
Personal and financial wellness programs
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care and commuter transit program
Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees
Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities
Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals
What You Will Do
Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services
Builds relationship and trust with clients and their family/caregiver and assists with their interactions with professionals on the team
Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members
Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client/consumers/members
Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate and mentor. Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed
Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals
Teaches and models symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients to take a proactive role in their recovery process
Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragement
Develops inventory of resources that will meet the client's needs as identified in the assessment and or-treatment process
Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supports
Documents in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and city, state and federal regulatory requirements
Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate
Participates in case conferences, staff meetings, supervision and training programs
Develops a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients/consumers/members. Serves as a bridge between team members and participant
For Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinical (CCBHC):
Educates clients about the different types of treatment available, including medications for addiction treatment
Helps clients identify their strengths as well as obstacles to their recovery
Assists clients with applying for benefits
Provides resources for external and post-discharge services
Participates as part of interdisciplinary team in discussion of, planning for and actively participating in treatment goals for clients/consumers/members
For IMT, ACT, MC, OMH Suicide Prevention:
Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients’ homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations
QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent required
FOR CCBHC ONLY: New York Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required
Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, substance use treatment program, health care or human services setting, preferred
Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substance using population, preferred
Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication and relationship building skills required
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team
Computer literacy (electronic health records, word processing, e-mail, internet research, data entry), required
Valid New York State driver’s license, as determined by operational/regional needs
Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, preferred
