As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. **Job Location (Full Address):** 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642 **Opening:** Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: 500130 Psychiatry SMH Addiction Psych Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URCB 203 H Compensation Range: $18.00 - $23.81 _The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._ **Responsibilities:** GENERAL PURPOSE: With some latitude, the Peer Specialist works on our Medicine in Psychiatry Inpatient Units (G9200, 19200) in collaboration with an interdisciplinary clinical leadership team. The focus of this position is to provide linkage to services that engage, support and empower patients and families when the patient is discharged from the inpatient setting with co-occurring medical and mental health and/or substance use related challenges to regain personal control over their lives and their recovery. The Peer Specialist serves as a role model during and after treatment and throughout the recovery process. **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS** + Engages patients/families by actively listening, building rapport, and trust through the facilitation of self-help groups and activities, establishing peer networks, natural and social support systems. Effectively communicates with patients as a peer and shares common experiences to benefit patient growth. Models and teaches self-help techniques including but not limited to assisting + clients with identifying their individual warning signs of relapse and with developing coping strategies. + Assists patients in identifying crisis plan, crisis management plan and natural supports. Facilitates patient’s explorations and understanding of their psychiatric symptoms and assists in identifying areas in which they require support. Assists patients with understanding and exercising their patient rights and teaches skills to advocate for the needs of people with psychiatric disabilities within the mental health and human services delivery systems. + May assist patients in the development of a patient safety plan and promptly reports any lethality concerns to the clinical team. Teaches patients daily living skills, learning, working, socializing, recreating, parenting and/or other + skills relevant to the patient’s rehabilitation goals. + Provides short term intervention to families that includes but is not limited to emotional support, relevant information, education resources, and access to comfort measures while supporting the patient. Assists patient/families with navigating treatment and recovery processes, communicating with treatment + and recovery staff, and identifying and effectively communicating concerns. + Maintains current knowledge and supports the policies and procedures of community resources, assists families with identifying their needs and providing and/or connecting them with appropriate community resources, and advocates. Works collaboratively as a member of the interdisciplinary + leadership team and participates in treatment planning. + Models ICARE Values, supports diversity and inclusion strategies and approaches that reduce stigma, engages patients, and promote patient-driven decision making with clinical leadership team to provide referrals and connections to those resources. Other duties as assigned. **QUALIFICATIONS** + High School Diploma or GED required. + Experience with population supported (i.e. overcoming the challenges and recovering from mental illness or experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child with emotional or behavioral health challenges) required. + Two years of experience as a Peer Advocate preferred; + or equivalent combination of experience and education required. + Availability to work a flexible work schedule including occasional evenings and weekends, effective communication and teaching skills, and the ability to empathize families and/or support systems required. + Knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of SUD/COD. + Basic knowledge of addiction self-help techniques and self-help group process preferred. + Basic knowledge of the goals and objectives of the SUD recovery movement preferred. + Basic knowledge of the SUD service delivery system and of patients’ rights in that system preferred. + Basic knowledge of generic human services delivery systems and entitlement programs preferred. + Ability to verbally engage and empathize with patients based on common experiences preferred. + Ability to be patient, encouraging and supportive preferred. + Ability to teach skills to individuals and small groups preferred. + Ability to facilitate group meetings preferred. + Ability to assertively advocate for patients preferred. + Negotiate with service providers preferred. + New York State Family Peer Advocate certification (or Provisional). Driver’s license, and satisfactory driving record required. **EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled:** The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations. Notice: If you are a **Current** **Employee,** please **log into myURHR** to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward. **Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.** Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals At the University of Rochester, we commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.