JOB SUMMARY
Peer Support Specialists provides direct peer support, guidance and advocacy to Disabled individuals navigating the homecare landscape. Drawing on lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist works one-on-one with consumers and their families to educate them about their options, access the services they need and build the skills and confidence to manage their own services. This position is rooted in the Independent Living philosophy that Disabled people are the foremost experts on their own lives. Peer Specialists bring that expertise to consumers, offering information, experience and practical support in achieving and maintaining independence in the community.
Job Duties
- Provide individualized peer support and guidance to consumers navigating homecare, helping consumers understand the differences between available homecare programs, including CDPAP, PCA and other services, and help them identify the option that best fits their wants and needs.
- Provide core Independent Living Services to Disabled individuals, including drop-in consumers seeking services.
- Coach consumers on self-advocacy skills for interacting with healthcare providers, managed care plans, homecare agencies and fiscal intermediaries.
- Provide guidance on developing and managing all aspects of their care plan, including recruiting and supervising a team of caregivers.
- Connect consumers with community supports that complement their homecare plan, including benefits, transportation, housing and other services and collaborate with other departments and agencies to ensure service delivery.
- Provide regular follow up with consumers to ensure needs are being met, and offer support as circumstances change.
- Conduct outreach to Disabled individuals who have left CDPAP, dropped out of homecare or at risk of institutionalization.
- Maintain accurate records of consumer contacts, services provided and referrals.
- Develop and maintain guides, materials and resources covering all homecare options in New York State.
- Deliver educational content on homecare options, self-advocacy and other homecare management skills via in-person and virtual trainings.
- Create, develop and deliver group training sessions on self-advocacy and homecare management skills for consumers.
- Facilitate peer support groups for individuals who are navigating the homecare landscape.
- Conduct outreach to the community to raise awareness of Peer Support Program and other services offered by CDR and the Regional Center for Independent Living.
- Provide trainings for internal staff and community partners on the homecare landscape and the needs consumers building independent living plans.
- Represent CDR at community events, and build relationships with community partners to provide outreach and mutual referrals.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION:
This position does not have any regular responsibility for the work of others.
TECHNOLOGY/ EQUIPMENT/ TOOLS:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Basic
- Communication Software (Outlook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams): Basic
- ILS Service Documentation System: Basic
WORK CONDITIONS (ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE):
This in-office position operates in a professional office environment with moderate to light noise. Regular office-based schedule is Monday through Friday 9 AM until 5 PM. This role routinely uses standard office equipment including computers and phones.
Physical Demands AND TRAVEL REQuIREMENTS:
Local travel is required. Some out-of-town travel may be required to participate in work-related meetings, conferences or trainings.
Qualifications:
1. Education and Experience:
- Lived experience with personal assistance or related services and one (1) to three (3) years of experience working with the disability community, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Associate’s degree in Human Services or relevant field preferred.
2. Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to express empathy and provide support.
- Effective documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and manage priorities.
NON-Discrimination
The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) strives to be a participant-controlled, cross-disability organization that is reflective of the communities it serves. CDR values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, cultural or ethnic group membership, disability status, educational level, family status, sex or gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, income, national origin, race, religion. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. CDR makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have personal, lived experience as a Disabled individual navigating homecare or personal care services?
- What does the Independent Living philosophy mean to you in your daily work?
- How do you balance sharing your own story with keeping the focus on the consumer?
- What do you know about New York State homecare programs like CDPAP and PCA services?
- How would you coach a consumer to hire and manage their own caregivers?
- Can you share an example of how you helped someone advocate for their own needs?
- How do you build trust with a consumer who feels overwhelmed or stuck?
- How would you handle outreach to someone at risk of moving into a nursing home?
- How do you keep track of your daily notes and service records?
Work Location: In person
