Peer Specialist

Peer Specialist Overview

VNS Health Peer Specialists/ Advocates are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and can uniquely relate to those who 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.

• 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

• Conduct phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into program services
• Build relationships and trust with clients and their family/caregiver and assist with their interactions with professionals on the team
• Work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members
• Apply mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationships and trust with the client/consumers/members
• Educate clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serve as a role model, advocate and mentor. Escort clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed
• Advocate effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals
• Teach and model symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empower clients to take a proactive role in their recovery process
• Review service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provide ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragement
• Develop an inventory of resources that will meet the client’s needs as identified in the assessment and/or treatment process
• Provide navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supports
• Document in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and city, state and federal regulatory requirements
• Assist clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, supervision and training programs
• Develop a mutual self-disclosure between themselves and clients/consumers/members. Serve as a bridge between team members and participants
• For Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinical (CCBHC):
  • Educate clients about the different types of treatment available, including medications for addiction treatment
  • Help…