Job Type : Peer Counselor

Job Type : peer_counselor

Job Title : Mental Health Peer Bridger

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Mental Health Peer Bridger

REPORTS TO: Mental Health Services Team Leader/Systems Advocate

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: · Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems, issues and legislation at both a local and statewide level which affect persons we serve, this includes, but is not limited to Social Security Benefits, Dept. of Social Services, Mental Hygiene Law, Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Independent Living philosophy.· Assist to actualize discharge plans developed during hospitalization or incarceration to provide appropriate transitional support in accordance with individual goals and objectives.· Provide requested assistance, information and resources, connecting persons with supportive services in the community prior to and following discharge.· Assess and identify the most effective strategies for transitioning individuals back into the community.· Participate with individuals, in the implementation of transition planning in accordance with his or her goals and objectives.· Educate providers of mental health services and families of persons who have a mental illness about transitional needs, challenges, options and resources.· Provide peer counseling with a non-judgmental demeanor.· As a role model, offer guidance and mentoring of effective community living on an as-needed basis, throughout the period of transition.· Encourage independence and autonomy by offering information, experiences and opportunities to assist individuals to make informed choices.· Teach "systems navigation".· Encourage personal empowerment, self-determination.· Facilitate and support the development of an integrated support network for individuals which includes but is not limited too case management, benefits advisement, supported housing, self help, employment and educational services, in addition to other community supports individuals may wish to access.· Complete statistical reports by specified due date to the Deputy Director and statistician.· Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.· Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by the CIL.· Maintain the attitude and performance of a positive peer role model.· Implement and carry out semi-annual consumer survey in efforts to ensure the quality of service and identify the changing needs of both the program and its participants.

REQUIREMENTS: · Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language and behaviors reflecting such values and the Independent Living philosophy.· 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.· Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.

QUALIFICATIONS: · High School diploma or equivalent and 5 years experience with disability related services.