Peer Engagement Specialist - Rockaway Terrace

Company: Lantern Community Services
Location: Far Rockaway
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

Job Title: Peer Engagement SpecialistStatus: Full-time (hours may vary)FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Job Location: Rockaway, QueensObjective:The Shelter Peer Engagement Specialist (PES) is responsible for providing support to clients living in emergency housing to motivate them and assist in the development of the stability and resources needed to live independently in the community. Using lived experience, the PES will help clients to navigate the service systems in NYC including behavioral and medical health, criminal justice, entitlements and transportation. They will assist staff in the implementation of shelter social services and housing programming and build positive relationships with residents in order to maximize engagement.Position Type:This is a full-time position with a regular daytime schedule that may include some later evenings and weekends. Lantern staff may be asked to change work schedule and hours depending on the operational needs of the site and the agency. Essential Functions:

• Build relationships with clients to maximize their participation in supportive services.
• Works with assigned clients to increase positive social connections, improve life skills and obtaining necessary resources for living independently.
• Assist with the development and facilitation of housing groups that provide information about the housing process and support development of skills needed to maintain independent housing
• Using a harm reduction approach to support the identification of individual goals and to teach effective coping strategies and symptom management skills to attain those goals, based on personal experience.
• Promotes client securing benefits and entitlement by assisting clients with the completion of applications, coordination of appointments, providing appointment reminders and escorting to appointments.
• Assists with the implementation of shelter recreational and support activities. Engages clients to participate in programming.
• Models skills and motivation needed for clients to attain housing and harm reduction/recovery goals.
• Participates in supervision as well as shelter staff meetings and case conferences to promote a team approach to service delivery
• Document client interactions in confidential recordsPerform other job related duties as assignedReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Required Education and Experience:
  • Peer Certification with New York State or willingness to complete within six months hire.
  • Lived experience with homelessness.
  • Experience receiving services for mental health, substance use, and/or a chronic health condition and a commitment to assist others in attaining harm reduction/recovery and wellness goals.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills; computer proficiency required.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.Highly compassionate and attentive to detail.Good knowledge of harm reduction and recovery resourcesSensitivity to issues involved in working in diverse organization is essential.Preferred. Bilingual skills in English/Spanish are a plusWork Environment: This job operates in a shelter environment and works with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs and/ or kneel. Occasionally the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy and just communities. Lantern welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experiences regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, pregnancy, religion, immigration status, veteran status, class, creed, mental or physical disability, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.

Keywords: Lantern Community Services, New York , Peer Engagement Specialist - Rockaway Terrace, Other , Far Rockaway, New York