Mobile Transitional Support (MTS) Peer Team Member, Full Time

Reports to: Director of Peer Bridger Program

Purpose of the Mobil Transition Support Peer:

The Mobil Transition Support Peer plays a vital role in assisting individuals with mental illness who are being discharged from Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Buffalo Psychiatric Center, or other acute care behavioral health hospitals. The goal is to prevent re-admission by providing peer support services in partnership with Crisis Services, ensuring a smooth transition into community-based services.

Key Responsibilities : ****

Mobile Peer Support

• In partnership with the Crisis Services team, provide mobile peer support prior to hospital discharge.
• Follow-up within 48 hours after discharge to ensure engagement with community-based services.

Collaboration with Crisis Services

• Work closely with the Crisis Services team to exchange information regarding individuals being served, ensuring continuity of care with existing service providers.

Peer Support & Peer Counseling

• Offer peer support and counseling to individuals enrolled in the Mobile Transitional Support Program.
• Share personal lived experiences where appropriate and beneficial to those served.

Support Outside Traditional Hours

• Provide peer support during times when traditional mental health services are unavailable, ensuring continuity of care.

Linkage & Encouragement

• Offer linkages to community support services, including self-help groups, to develop natural supports.
• Provide encouragement, skill development, and resources to help individuals stay connected to discharge services and progress in their recovery.

Advocacy and Life Skills

• Advocate for individuals as needed, assisting with communication and coordination with traditional mental health providers.
• Teach daily living skills aimed at preventing re-hospitalization, such as medication adherence, self-care, and coping strategies.
• Provide peer perspective to professional providers, enhancing their understanding of the individuals they serve.

Collaboration with Professional Provider

• Maintain open communication with professional providers, ensuring effective teamwork to support individuals being served.

Empowerment & Education

• Empower individuals to make informed decisions about their mental health care, supporting them in taking control of their recovery.
• Offer additional skills to individuals, aiding in their recovery and prevention of future distress.

On-Call Coverage

• Provide on-call coverage as required by the program’s structure and schedule, ensuring services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in compliance with Department of Labor regulations.

Supervision & Support

• Receive regular supervision from MHA program supervisors, ensuring proper guidance and support in delivering peer services.

Qualifications:

The following is a list of experience, technologies, credentials, skills and other items which are required for this position:

• Lived experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorders preferred
• Ability to provide peer support using personal lived experience when appropriate
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of community-based services and resources for mental health support.
• Ability to teach and empower individuals in developing life skills.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including on-call shifts.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel within Erie County to provide mobile support.
• Must be able to work in various environments, including hospitals, community centers, and homes.

The physical demands described represent those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time. The employee is regularly is required to regularly reach with arms and hands; use hands to handle. Hands and fingers frequently perform repetitive motion including typing/keying. Occasionally the employee will lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The job requires close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to regularly talk and hear.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time, and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.

**Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications for the Peer Mobile Transitional Support Team role. **

****FT = 40 Hours ****

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Reimbursement Account
• PTO and Sick leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Summer Hours Program
• Remote Work Policy

The Mental Health Advocates of WNY is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.

For more information on Mental Health Advocates of WNY, please visit our website at https://mhawny.org/

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