Peer Bridger

Description

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 Bridger. As a Peer Bridger you will be responsible for working with people with mental health disabilities in an effort to bridge recipients back into the community after being discharged from hospitals and other treatment facilities.

The ideal candidate must be comfortable with communicating and advocating on behalf of the consumers they are working with, be organized, and able to multi-task. Bachelor’s degree in human services plus two years of advocacy experience, preferred. Must be a peer and have personal lived experience as a former or current user of mental health services and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed. Must comply with hospital onboarding requirements. This position will work from the behavior health unit at Bon Secours Community Hospital.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with people with mental health disabilities throughout Orange, Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess and Sullivan Counties as well as those individuals identified by the discharge teams at hospitals and other treatment facilities (as needed) in order to help “bridge” recipients back into the community.
• Assist in discharge planning whenever possible, and maintain effective working relationships with participating 9.39 hospitals, drug treatment centers and other community providers.
• Provide mental health peer counseling as needed.
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems issues.
• Assist persons to achieve self-stated goals and to develop a transition plan.
• Engage in individual advocacy by assisting consumers with mental health disabilities in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints, accessing services and navigating community supports of their choice.
• 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.
• Network with mental health providers and community support services to maintain an integrated support system for persons with psychiatric disabilities as well as those in Dual focused programs.
• Facilitate and support the development of an integrated support network for individuals which includes but is not limited to case management, benefits advisement, supported housing, self-help, employment and educational services, in addition to other community supports individuals may wish to access.
• Educate individuals, families, and community resources about challenges, options, and resources with regard to persons with disabilities.
• Organize and conduct community forums for the purposes of gathering consumer input, sharing critical information, and strengthening organizational relationships.
• Encourage personal empowerment, self-determination, while promoting independent living skill development.
• Encourage independence; provide assistance in identifying and connecting with supportive services.
• Complete statistical reports by specified due date for the Bridger Manager.
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by the Independent Living, Inc. and specific to The Bridger Program.
• 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 8:30am-4:30pm

PAY RATE:

• $22.25/hr - $23.45/hr

BENEFITS:

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services plus two years of advocacy experience preferred. Equivalent years of experience, acceptable.
• Must have completed approved advocacy training program or complete this training program within the first six months of employment.
• Must be a peer and have personal lived experience as a former or current user of mental health services and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed.
• Must 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) since this is a peer position.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements as relating 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.

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.