Peer Outreach Specialist
📋 Role Overview & Responsibilities
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Promote Mental Health Peer Connections (MHPC) programs and services to the community and Behavioral Health providers through ongoing outreach. Develop community-based relationships with potential employers to promote MHPC vocational program. Work closely with MHPC’s vocational staff to identify community employers.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Seek out individuals with Behavioral Health disabilities in the community and encourage, educate and inform them about the benefits of MHPC services. Seek out community agencies that may serve people diagnosed with Behavioral Health disabilities and encourage, educate and inform them about the benefits of collaborating with MHPC. Do presentations to facilities that serve people with Behavioral Health disabilities on the benefits of MHPC services, as well as share personal experience in obtaining Behavioral Health services, and seeking employment. Individual presentations to community employers on MHPC’s vocational program. Work with MHPC’s vocational staff to identify companies who support hiring employees with behavioral health disabilities. Identify and schedule relevant community presenters for the MHPC Bi-weekly staff meeting. Point staff for identifying and facilitating MHPC involvement in at least two community events specific to individuals with disabilities. Facilitate peer support self-help groups virtually or in the community. Gather stories and articles to complete and distribute the MHPC quarterly newsletter. Attend Agency’s in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency related activities as instructed. Participate in maintaining a neat, clean and safe work environment. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
EDUCATION & TRAINING High School Diploma or equivalent OR Associate Degree in a Human Service field OR Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Service field
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required) Must possess two (2) years’ work experience in providing vocational services to individuals with behavioral health disabilities. Possess knowledge of persons with disabilities, as well as federal and state laws pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities. Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.
High school Diploma, or equivalent, requires eight (8) years of work experience with all disabilities.
Associate Degree requires six (6) years of work experience with all disabilities.
Bachelor’s Degree requires four (4) years of work experience with all disabilities.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
A desire to advocate for the rights of others is essential. Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance in order to travel independently throughout Western NY. Ability to work independently at all WNYIL locations and within the community. Understanding or ability to learn resources in the delivery systems for populations with disabilities and how to connect consumers to more intensive services. Must have intermediate level knowledge of computers including the use of excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and networks. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, good organization and analytical skills. Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office/Community
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.
HOURS / SHIFTS
- 5 – 40 hours per week. M – F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Flex time sometimes necessary on Saturdays.
Overtime rarely required.
CLASSIFICATION
Full-time, salary, non-exempt, Professional staff.
Range: $36,000 - $41,000
BENEFITS
Agency provided group health insurance. Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available. PTO and paid holiday package. 403(b) retirement with Agency match. Employee Assistance Program
OTHER
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free Agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this position eligible for remote work or visa sponsorship? ▼
This position is located in Buffalo, NY with potential relocation and sponsorship assistance depending on candidate qualifications.
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