JOB SUMMARY The Peer Recovery Guide-STRAWW & Advocacy Trainer is responsible for the development/coordination of the Self-Help and Advocacy training programs. Responsibilities include the development and facilitation of educational Self-Help and Advocacy Training program andgroups; along with public relations activities, oversight, and evaluation of the program and agency representation on local boards and committees; coordinating and facilitating training programs and development and updating of training program material. The STRAWW Recovery Guide portion of the position will include carrying a case load, to assess, refer and link participants with mental health issues/disabilities to services and activities that will integrate the participant into the community and ignite their spark of life . Recovery Guides will have a working knowledge of the resources available in the community to meet their participant's needs. This position was designed to assist participants in finding their spark of life through social and recreational activities that will lead a participant to volunteer work, education or a job.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Demonstrate ability to research & develop training material and has experience in public speaking or group facilitation.The Trainer must be willing to provide supportive and educational services to provide supportive documentation and statistical information on a timely accurate basis as requested by Supervisor.General knowledge of self-help resources in Alleghany, and Cattaraugus Counties and ability to organize information in a useful manner. Sensitivity to the needs of participants with mental illnesses and an ability to form caring, trusting relationships with peers. Refined written/verbal skills, computer literacy, group facilitation skills and ability to establish relationships with professional organizations.Attend monthly Agency Staff and Training meetings.Carry a caseload and meet with participants as required by program contract.Provide advocacy services according to the participants expressed needs and ROME policy and procedures.Assist with referrals and linkages to community support services and programs.Provide transportation as appropriate to participant's needs, while teaching/showing them alternative options.Chart and file all documentation in a timely manner.Assist participants with accessing benefits and entitlements such as public assistance and SSI/SSD.Work in cooperation with other service providers.Display a positive, cooperative attitude toward assignments and requirements.Display ability to work independentlyAssist participants in becoming empowered and reducing their need for services.Follow up with participants in guiding them toward their spark of life . ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. COMPLEXITY OF WORK AND DECISION MAKING:Works in accordance with policies and regulations which may require judgment, initiative, creativity and the ability to deal with complex factors and making of decisions based on conclusions for which there may be little precedent. AUTONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:Works from general objectives (such as governmental and agency compliance standards) and broad and varying policies, procedures, rules or precedents with significant functional guidance. Refers specific cases to supervisor for clarification or interpretation. Review by supervisor focuses on achievement of the objective and not necessarily on the means, except when required to ensure compliance with regulations.TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT OR TOOLS:Microsoft Office skills including Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook. Evidence of skills demonstrated by the ability to perform all of the basic functions within each program; including but not limited to maintaining a calendar, sending e-mail, creating letters as well as the ability to create and edit databases and spreadsheets. General office equipment is used including fax machine, computer and phone system.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work follows established practices and operating procedures with some latitude for independent judgment. Maintains strict visual contact with work up to 90% of the time. May occasionally lift up to 35 lbs. without mechanical assistance. Work involves sitting, driving, and ambulating from task to task. The noise level in the work environment is usually light. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Associate's Degree in Human Services, Education, English or related field and two (2) years' of experience providing mental health services.Or
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services, Education, English or related field and one year of experience providing mental health services. And
Academy of Peer Services CertificationAnd4. A Valid New York State Class D Driver's License and reliable transportation. And5. A personal experience as a recipient of Mental Health is preferred.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Good Communication skills both written and verbal
- Must possess knowledge of community resources
- Meet with supervisor and keep documentation on services provided
- Facilitate self-help and advocacy training program
- Assist in developing county wide self-help groups
- Facilitate monthly self-help facilitators support group
- Provide over site to educational and vocational contracts
- Attend trainings and workshops relevant to his/her job duties
- Conduct research of educational and wellness information; update Peer Advocacy Training manuals as needed.
- Express ability to work independently and within a team.
- Display a positive and professional attitude towards assignments and requirement.
- Ability to tolerate stressful and/or ambiguous work situations
- Comfortable working within potentially unsafe environments
- Ability to identify potential crisis situations and convey this information to supervisor
- Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams and smart phone
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with our without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function. Recovery Options Made Easy, is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Recovery Options Made Easy, will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact Colleen Hutchinson at Recovery Options Made Easy.Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. no weekends or holidays