Housing Mobile Team Peer Specialist

Community Access was founded in 1974 to provide housing and support for people being discharged from psychiatric institutions. Today, we are one of the leading providers of supportive and affordable housing in New York City, and the originators of an integrated housing model which has become a best practice nationally: affordable housing where families live alongside people living with mental health concerns.

Our staff work daily to support thousands of New Yorkers through supportive and affordable housing, peer-driven residential crisis support programs, training, advocacy, supported education, mobile treatment and other healing-focused services. Program/Department Description Community Access provides affordable housing, supportive services, education, training and employment services, integrated rehabilitation and treatment services, and care coordination to individuals with psychiatric disabilities, histories of homelessness, substance use, criminal justice involvement and serious health concerns.

The Housing department provides permanent and affordable supportive housing for individuals living with mental health concerns and low-income community residents and families, as well as licensed transitional residential programs for individuals moving from institutions into the community. Services are geared towards assisting people in maintaining their housing and moving forward with their lives in stable community-based environments.

Position Overview

The Housing Mobile Team Peer Specialist is an integral part of Community Access’ mobile multi-disciplinary team that supports tenants with complex mental health needs across our supportive housing programs in NYC. The Peer Specialist uses their lived experience with the mental health system to engage and support program participants who are experiencing mental health crises that are impacting their ability to maintain their housing in the community.

Using a peer support, person-centered model the Peer Specialist supports individuals in developing new coping strategies, assessing risk, maintaining their housing, accessing community-based treatment and support services, connecting to community, family and social support networks and providing hope and connection. Recovery experience related to substance use services along with mental health preferred.

The Peer Specialist engages and builds trusting relationships with program participants and their networks to support the person’s recovery. Key Performance Indicators Ensure that all services, follow- up and documentation are completed on time including: 100% of assessments for the program are completed on time. Complete weekly progress notes for each participant on caseload within 48 hours of the meetings.

Consistently document 40 hours of direct service work each month. Job Qualifications Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access, with particular expertise in recovery-oriented service delivery. Commitment to person-centered treatment strategies, upholding participants’ rights, and self-determination in service provision.

New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Provisional, or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required. Lived experience within the mental health system required, and a history of homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and experience with substance use services, preferred. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with a mental health condition, substance use disorder, and / or history of trauma.

Available to work a flexible schedule, mornings, evenings and weekends in response to participant needs. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Be creative and flexible. Able to show initiative and be responsible for follow through. Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.

Must be able to work in the community, including use of public transportation across the boroughs Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word and Excel, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems. Must be fingerprinted and cleared through a background clearance process.

Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred. Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent on specific needs of program participants. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs . Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as having a personal experience using mental health services. www.communityaccess.org