Peer Family Advocate

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:

Part time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

20

Department:

500133 Psychiatry SMH Crisis

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCA 204 H

Compensation Range:

$19.15 - $25.85

Responsibilities:

With some latitude, the inpatient Peer Bridger position works in the community and in the Inpatient setting 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 inpatient with a mental health challenge to regain personal control over their lives and their recovery. The inpatient Peer Bridger 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 managing crisis on the unit and process crisis management skills and as needed review the crisis plan to utilize in the community and direct to 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 in both individual and group settings. Has latitude to facilitate group services. 
• 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Peer Specialist Provisional or Certified Family Peer Advocate Provisional certification required
• Driver’s license, and satisfactory driving record required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture 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 characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.