Description and Requirements As a valued member of the Behavioral Health Care Management Team, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) utilizes lived experience to model recovery and support Healthfirst members who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders. The PSS works directly with members in both field-based settings and telephonically to support a person-centered approach to care. This includes identifying appropriate resources and facilitating linkage to care, as many of our members require assistance in building the skills to navigate their health care system. Further, the PSS collaborates with the members’ support system and interdisciplinary treatment team to empower, encourage engagement in services, and reduce barriers to change. While encouraging recovery planning, the PSS may administer questionnaires, retrieve necessary documentation, and/or facilitate contact with a Healthfirst Care Manager to conduct other required assessments. When needed and able, the PSS may also support the Healthfirst Care Management Team by providing translation services. An integral part of the Peer Support Specialist’s role is to make community-based field visits to and with members, including on-site hospital, facility-based, and home visits around downstate New York.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Manages designated caseload of members who could benefit from Peer Support services, care coordination, and health navigationSchedules and conducts multiple field-based visits per day (clustered by geographic areas)Completes assessments and questionnaires to identify barriers and opportunities for interventionWorks telephonically when not in the field to make outreach calls and receive incoming calls to/from members regarding benefit questions/issues, care coordination, program inquiries, and connecting to their care managerGenerates referrals to providers, community-based resources, and appropriate services and other resources to assist in goal achievement and maintenance of successful health outcomesLiaise between service providers such as doctors, social workers, discharge planners, and community-based providers to ensure care is coordinated and care needs are addressedCollaborate as part of the multi-disciplinary health care team to ensure care needs are addressed within members’ care plans and treatment is person-centeredContributes to corporate goals through ongoing execution of member care plans and member goal achievement and successful coordination with local supportsDocuments all encounters with providers, members, and vendors in the appropriate systems in accordance with internal and established documentation proceduresOccasional overtime as necessaryAdditional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalentCertification or Provisional Certification as Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer AdvocateDemonstrated ability to manage a caseload and work effectively within a team, in a fast-paced environmentWork experience requiring effective communication and engagement skills, as well as healthy boundary-settingProficient computer skills, including a solid understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word and ExcelAbility to travel around downstate New York which could include the 5 boroughs, Long Island, Orange County, and Westchester

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual in English and one or more language(s): Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese highly preferredPrior experience in a field-based health care role (home visits a plus)Experience using health information systems to document and/or retrieve informationExperience with geriatric or other at-risk populations, including their caregiversExperience in hospital/facility discharge planningExperience managing member information in a shared network environment using paperless database modules and archival systemsFamiliar with areas of NYC, Long Island, and/or lower WestchesterA valid NYS driver's license or ID

Hiring Range*:

Greater New York City Area (NY, NJ, CT residents): $39,208 - $52,000

All Other Locations (within approved locations): $34,091 - $49,920

As a candidate for this position, your salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, licenses and certifications, and any other factors Healthfirst deems pertinent to the hiring decision.

In addition to your salary, Healthfirst offers employees a full range of benefits such as, medical, dental and vision coverage, incentive and recognition programs, life insurance, and 401k contributions (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Healthfirst believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package wherever its employees work and live.

*The hiring range is defined as the lowest and highest salaries that Healthfirst in “good faith” would pay to a new hire, or for a job promotion, or transfer into this role.