About this role
JOB SUMMARY:
The Peer Specialist brings the essential perspective of lived experience of suicide risk and recovery to every aspect of the Zero Suicide initiative. This individual serves as a member of the Steering Council and implementation team, contributes to training development and delivery, supports outreach and engagement, and serves as a bridge between individuals served and the clinical team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Serve as a member of the Zero Suicide Steering Council, representing the perspective of individuals with lived experience of suicide risk and recovery.
• Contribute to the development and review of training materials, safety plan templates, outreach materials, and communication strategies to ensure they are person-centered, recovery-oriented, and accessible.
• Participate in training delivery, including sharing lived experience perspectives during safeTALK sessions and staff orientation.
• Support outreach and engagement activities, including the caring contacts protocol for individuals at elevated risk during and after care transitions.
• Provide mentorship and support to individuals navigating the suicide care pathway, using peer support principles.
• Contribute to culturally responsive adaptations of Zero Suicide materials and practices, drawing on knowledge of the communities ICL serves.
• Assist with community engagement and awareness activities related to suicide prevention, including 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline promotion.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, providing feedback on the individual experience of Zero Suicide services.
• Visit program sites to support training and quality improvement activities
• Perform other related duties that may be assigned.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented principles, person-centered care, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to share personal experience in a professional and empowering manner.
• Cultural responsiveness and experience working with diverse, underserved populations, including individuals with serious mental illness, homelessness, and justice involvement.
• Comfort working collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with other team members
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• New York State Certified Peer Specialist (NYSCPS) certification, or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Lived experience of suicide risk and recovery, with a sustained period of personal stability and wellness.
• Minimum 1 year of experience providing peer support services in behavioral health, health care, or community-based settings.