Respite Specialist

The Crisis Respite Center provides a unique 'hospital diversion' model where individuals can stay in a safe and supportive environment, receiving 24-hour peer support, self-advocacy education, and self-help training. The program aims to provide a short-term residential alternative for individuals experiencing a psychosis-related crisis, allowing them to maintain daily activities and connect with community-based services.

What You Will Do

As a Respite Specialist, you will work with adults impacted by mental health disorders, providing peer support, self-advocacy education, and self-help training. You will also be responsible for documenting and translating member needs with a trauma-informed and culturally competent lens.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will have lived experience with the mental health system, a willingness to share their personal experience, and excellent interpersonal communication skills. They will also be able to demonstrate good judgment, empathy, and the ability to understand boundaries when working with participants.

Requirements

• Certification or Provisional certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) OASAS and or OMH/CRPA certification
• Active participation in self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or participant-run organizations
• Lived experience with the Mental Health and/or Substance Use Treatment system
• Understanding of the community in which the team is based with an awareness of available community resources
• Experience working with adults impacted by mental health disorders
• Ability to demonstrate positive and productive progress toward recovery
• Good interpersonal communication skills and ability to empathize with participants
• Ability to understand boundaries when working with participants
• Clear understanding of community diversity and needs
• Ability to document and translate member needs with a trauma-informed and culturally competent lens
• Ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel
• Bilingual a plus
• A Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent or higher required

Benefits

• Generous PTO
• Professional development
• Health and wellness resources