The Peer Counselor works with the CPEP Mobile Crisis Teams (MCT) and directly reports to the Manager, Program Coordinator, and Medical Director of Community Psychiatry, CPEP. As an integral member of MCT, the Peer Counselor is expected to perform ancillary functions as designated by the team’s clinician for example, Social Worker, Nurse Practitioner, or CPEP Manager/Coordinator. The primary purpose of this position is to engage patients in treatment and services by virtue of having firsthand experience with the mental health or substance abuse delivery of services. Peer Counselors will use their skills to engage patients. They will also provide follow up services to CPEP patients and engage them in services. They will transport the CPEP staff to patient homes for clinical evaluation, arrange for the initial scheduling for referrals received surrounding psychiatric assessment of patients in the community. Peer Counselors will use EPIC, maintain statistical data on a weekly basis, which is inclusive of, but not limited to the gathering of patient demographics for performance improvement projects, and performance of light clerical support, for example, faxing and copying patient data, and assisting the program’s clinicians in emergent situations which require 911 interventions.

• Provide Peer Counseling on Mental Health and Substance Use issues to our patients.
• Share Peer Counseling expertise with staff of the Mobile Crisis Team
• Serve as subject matter experts for the staff on the engagement of patients in mental health services
• Assist the MCT, CPEP clinicians in calling for police/EMS back up as needed.
• Participate with clinicians in violence de-escalation/containment in a team approach, utilizing good communication and social skills within the patient's home.
• Provides support clerical services (maintains case records) and follows up with appropriate referrals, under the direction of the designated program clinicians.
• Works with the CPEP staff to ensure that all patients are connected to services once they leave the CPEP or MCT services. 
• Works weekend, evenings, and holidays.
• Attends trainings including PMCS.
• Completes all hospital requirements including OHS, yearly reorientation, Corporate Compliance, Flu shot or declination form, and other requirements.
• Maintain a clean driving record.
• Neither the Hospital nor the Department will be responsible for any DMV violations that are caused by the driver, i.e. speeding, red lights, etc.
• Participate in all surveys and audits as directed by Director, Manager, / Program Coordinator.
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Manager/Program Coordinator or other program clinicians. In an emergency, performs other duties necessary for the welfare of patients or the efficient operations of the hospital.

Education:

• High School Graduate or GED required.

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years in a consumer-focused environment, preferably with psychiatric patients.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic Knowledge of computer data-entry.
• Basic arithmetic skills (add, multiply, divide, subtract).
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to fully utilize BHMC’s electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position as required.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Valid New York State Driver’s License and Clean Driving Record.
• Peer Counseling Certification required.

Physical Requirements:

• Position requires prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. 
• Must be physically able to work in all weather and climb minimum four flights of stairs
• Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

BHMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.