We are looking for someone that is passionate about engaging people that have mental health disabilities. If that is you, we want to speak with you!

As the Peer Diversion Specialist, you will work with partners, throughout Orange County, to provide peer-based diversion services to meet the unique needs of targeted consumers, while working to avoid the necessity for hospitalization through proactive peer engagement.

Independent Living, Inc., a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region is seeking to hire a Peer Diversion Specialist in Middletown. Must have personal “lived” experience as a former or current user of mental health services and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation. Bachelor’s degree in human services plus two years of advocacy experience preferred.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively engage people in the Community with high-risk needs who have a mental health related disability i.e. housing, continuity of follow-up care, Medication and lack of a support system.
• Provide intensive peer support and timely intervention during periods when individuals with psychiatric disabilities are experiencing increased vulnerability and are at greatest risk.
• Work in partnership with the Mobile Mental Health, Mental Health Units at Orange Regional Medical Center (ORMC) Hospital, and the Orange County Provider Network to provide well-integrated, peer-based diversion services to meet the unique needs of targeted consumers, while working to avoid the necessity for hospitalization through proactive peer engagement.
• Follow up with referrals received from Mobile Mental Health, hospital Emergency Departments, and emergency agencies including the Family Health Centers, the Police Departments, community residences and family members, with the goal of preventing further breakdown and relapse, and admission to the Mental Health Unit (MHU). The follow-up would include, but not limited to completing a DLA-20 to establish long term goals, A WRAP plan, connection to community resources, a safety plan, peer counseling, connection with Care Management, connection to clinical services if individual is willing, integration of mental health and physical health services and establishing a person-centered relationship that supports each referrals individual wellness.
• Encourage each consumer to develop an advanced directive to help direct his or her care in the event he or she is unable to direct their own care.
• Act as a role model/mentor to peers by engaging in individual advocacy by assisting consumers with high-risk mental health disabilities in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints, accessing services and navigating community supports of their choice and ultimately to teach the Peers how to self-advocate and coordinate their own services.
• Engage in systems advocacy by representing the concerns of consumers with mental health disabilities through the identification of patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these systemic problems.
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions offered by Independent Living, Inc. and specific to the job responsibilities of the position.
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

SHIFT:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday through Friday 10am-8pm.

PAY RATE:

$22.55/hr - $23.45/hr

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services plus two years of advocacy experience preferred.
• Must complete approved advocacy training programs within the first six months of employment.
• Must be a “peer” and have a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process (including but not limited to 12 step programs, Self Help and other alternative methods).
• Must have personal “lived” experience as a former or current user of mental health services and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language and behaviors reflecting such values and the Independent Living philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.
• Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems issues.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.