Peer Specialist

Open Door Care Network provides health care and wellness programs to individuals and families in need throughout Westchester, Putnam and Ulster Counties. A pioneer Federally Qualified Health Center, Open Door provides more than 300,000 patient visits annually and serves nearly 60,000 individual patients who might not otherwise have access. Open Door offers integrated services and a holistic approach to building healthier communities. Primary medical care, dental care, integrated behavioral health care, clinical nutrition, wellness programs, and chronic disease management are the foundation of its clinical programs.

Founded as a free clinic in 1972, Open Door’s mission of building healthier communities through accessible, equitable, culturally competent health care has led to site and service expansions. Today, Open Door operates centers in Brewster, Mamaroneck, Mount Kisco, Ossining, Port Chester, and Sleepy Hollow, in addition to eight School-Based Health Centers in the Port Chester and Ossining School Districts, a mobile dental van in Mount Kisco, and a new dental practice in Saugerties, NY. For more information, please visit our website at www.opendoormedical.org.

Open Door is seeking a Peer Specialist in their Hastings location.  The Peer Specialist staff member is a non-clinical emotional and real-world encouragement official who has been trained via The New York Peer Specialist Certification Board. The Peer Specialist is trained to use their lived experience to engage potential clients within the Family Mental Health clinics towards achieving and sustaining new skills and coping mechanisms. This position is closely involved as peer support and educator for clients in conjunction with the client’s established treatment plan goals, available during times of crisis and works as a member of the treatment team that includes the Mental Health Clinician and may include a Psychiatric prescriber. The Peer Specialist will work individually or in a group with adults, children, and families to promote resiliency and growth. The position is non-traditional and requires flexibility in response to Client needs and requires use of personal vehicle with reimbursement for mileage. Will work under the direction of a Licensed Clinician, with all documentation approved and signed by a Licensed Clinician.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Work with client’s established clinician to empower client to advocate for self 

• Meet with the client in the client’s home, community setting or in the clinic 

• Work with clients and significant support systems on agreed upon goals such as skill building and coping functions 

• Document in the electronic health record all contact with client 

• Have regular contact with other members of the treatment team, as well as weekly supervision 

• Engagement will often be in the home or community of the client, with use of telehealth as needed 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• EDUCATION:High school diploma, or GED required; college degree preferred 

• OMH NY Certification as Peer Specialist or Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C), preferred upon hire, required within 90 days of employment 

EXPERIENCE 

• Experience as a person with a mental health condition, substance use history, and/or history of personal trauma and recovery, or as a parent of child who has navigated the mental health sector 

• Experience with electronic medical records is preferred  

 SKILLS 

• Strong interpersonal skills including excellent active listening and clear oral communication skills 

• Strong writing and reading skills  

• Able to understand and follow detailed instructions 

• Highly organized and self-directed, able to multi-task 

• Proficient computer use, including Microsoft Office applications  

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high accountability environment 

• Effective in problem solving and exhibits excellent judgment and the ability to prioritize  

• Flexible and exhibits the ability to adapt as situations evolved 

• Strong customer service, patient-centered orientation  

• Engaging, warm and caring personality 

• Empathetic and driven to assist patients 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Must have valid New York State Driver License and daily access to a car