Forensic Peer Specialist

Would you like to help engage people at risk of arrest and/or Police involvement with high-risk needs who have a mental health-related disability? Take a look at this Forensic Peer Specialist job opportunity.

As the Forensic Peer Specialist, you’ll assist people with their recovery and help them to meet their criminal obligations/sanctions. All while providing peer related services and supports.

Independent Living, Inc., is a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region. As a Forensic Peer Specialist, you must have personal lived experience as a former or current user of mental health services and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed as well as lived experience with the criminal justice system and behavioral health. Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (Equivalent years of experience in place of degree, acceptable.), possess at least 2 years of experience in Forensic Mental Health or experience working with the Substance Abuse population.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist individuals to negotiate and minimize continuing criminal sanctions as they make progress in recovery and meet criminal obligations.
• Provide individual and/or group training/support in independent living skills, creation of healthful lifestyles, and support in areas such as self-care, holistic wellness and community awareness.
• Attend and contribute to supervision meetings with ILI and Orange County DOMH as assigned.
• Provide reports to ILI Manager as assigned.
• Attend related meetings and training as scheduled.
• Peer to follow the directions /guidance from the Forensic Coordinator.
• Proactively engage people at risk of arrest and/or Police involvement 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 highly individualized, flexible, demand-responsive, intensive peer support and timely intervention during periods when individuals with psychiatric disabilities are experiencing increased vulnerability and are at greatest risk.
• Build relationships with Police Departments staff. Work with a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement officers and MRT to provide direct services and Peer Support.
• Responsibilities include: 1) reaching out to, and engaging individuals with significant psychiatric disabilities; 2) providing diversion, counseling, planning, and other needed services to identified persons; 3) connecting service recipients with network provider agencies; 4) maintaining linkages with community partners and other county resources in relation to education, housing, health care, recreation, and socialization; 5) Develop expert knowledge of referral sources for potential training and employment opportunities including public agencies and private employers; 6) restructuring resources as necessary to ensure continuing personal stability and individual satisfaction.
• Provide mental health peer counseling as needed.
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

SHIFT:

• Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (Equivalent years of experience in place of degree, acceptable.) Possess at least 2 years of experience in Forensic Mental Health or experience working with the Substance Abuse population.
• Must have lived experience with the criminal justice system and behavioral health.
• 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).
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• 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.
• Individual must have the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

ILI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to a person's race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, citizenship or immigration status. arrest or conviction record or any other status protected by federal or state law.