The Peer Activities Specialist role is to organize, plan, and implement various recreational and social activities for the program. The Peer Activities Specialist will work with existing agency personnel and a variety of outside agencies to increase participants' opportunities for socialization, teach computer skills, and to connect and utilize community resources. The Peer Activities Specialist will serve as a role model to promote stability and independence to the participants.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: High School Diploma or GED Relevant life experience required: personal experience living with a mental illness, history of substance use, or social/emotional challenge, and willingness to draw upon this experience to serve as a role model to support the goals of individuals served. Knowledge of community resources, and community outreach preferred.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Current New York State Driver's License Clean DMV Record Must be capable of driving a 15 passenger van

COMPETENCY DEMANDS: This position requires an individual with excellent communication skills, patience and the ability to motivate others. Must be able to work cooperatively with the Program Director to insure that all policies and procedures and program objectives are being implemented. Maintain the appropriate levels of confidentiality with regard to client and Agency information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide outreach to clients in order to facilitate their engagement in services. Ensures a safe, secure and nurturing environment is provided and maintained for program participants. Plan, organize and implement daily recreational and social activities for the Drop-In Program. Maintain a high level of motivation and participation in the program's recreational and social programming by encouraging creativity, cooperation, group projects and special assignments. Over sees participants during program activities Provide side-by-side support and encouragement to help participants socialize. Provide guidance for locating and utilizing other community-based resources. Provide mentoring, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving and direct assistance to help clients obtain the necessities of daily living. Supports participants to independently plan and carry out leisure time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Complete program documentation, attendance and transportation reporting, telephone contacts to participants in the electronic health record Assist with the promotion of the Agency and its programs to the community. Complete QI Training during onboarding and participate in QI refresher training as needed. Work with the entire CN Guidance team to apply the Plan-Do-Study-ACT continuous quality improvement approach to address systemic, organizational challenges identify and implement quality improvement trainings and activities as part of professional development goals Encourage quality improvement processes and provide consistent resources for QI and professional development Ability to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views and experiences. A Culture that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results. Adherence to all safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment by following established safety guidelines. Additional duties as assigned.