Buffalo, NY. WNY Independent Living, Inc. Peer Support Specialist. FT. Benefits. $35,000-$40,000/Year.

Closing date: September 19, 2024

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION: To provide peer support to individuals, with lived mental health experiences through positive self-disclosure, to assist in obtaining their goals related to Independent Living, vocations and improve Quality of Life.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Work with individuals in developing Independent Living Plans, creating Person-Centered Plans and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).

Assist individuals with mental illness complete a Quality-of-Life Self-Assessment.

Educate and assist individuals with developing Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) when necessary.

Support individuals in learning how to live in the community in a healthy manner.

Provide advocacy when dealing with medical or mental health personnel, housing, independent living skills, benefits advisement, peer support, information and referral and mobility training.

Assess benefit forms for each individual served.

Provide rapid employment techniques and skills needed to mental health recipients to assist in finding employment.

Provide peer counseling to recipients of mental health services.

Facilitate weekly peer support self-help meeting regarding quality-of-life concerns.

Staff Monday evening support group once every four to six (4 to 6) weeks between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (evening hours to be flexed within the same work week).

Provide mobility training and services.

Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork to Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYILs) Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) within two (2) working days of the date of service.

EDUCATION & TRAINING: Candidate must be a certified NYS Certified Peer Specialist / Provisional, within one (1) year of being hired.

Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials. High school diploma or equivalency OR Associate degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field. OR Bachelors degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required): Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.

High school diploma or equivalent requires four (4) years related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness. Associate degree requires two (2) years related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness. Bachelors degree requires one (1) year of work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

SKILLS & ABILITIES: Must be able to type thirty-five (35) words per minute. Applicant must be a current or former consumer of mental health services. Ability to travel independently and commute to sites in all counties WNYIL operates is required. Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks. Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Cover letter and resume required to:

Mail: Tina Brown, CHRCO WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214

Email: employment@wnyil.org