About WellLife Network: WellLife Network is a leading health and human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. Recognized as a 2023 top-rated nonprofit, WellLife Network empowers people to overcome life’s challenges and achieve greater independence, well-being, and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs spanning mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, housing, and employment support, all grounded in a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Central to our mission is an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within our organization and in the communities we serve. As a trusted community partner, WellLife Network fosters a nurturing environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and realize their fullest potential.

Position Summary:

A staff member with lived experience and a master’s degree.  Client Advocates  are in a unique position to serve as role models, educate individuals about self-help techniques and self-help group processes, teach effective coping strategies based on personal experience, teach wellness management skills, assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals, and assist in the development of community support systems and networks.  

Essential accountabilities:

1. Participate in training, in-services, and support activities for Peer Counselors.
2. Participate in OMH approved ACT Orientations and Training.
3. Teach skills to individuals and groups.
4. Knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of various psychiatric disabilities.
5. Advocate for recipients and negotiate with service providers.
6. Participate in on site and off site activities with consumers.
7. Escort consumers to necessary services, if appropriate.                                                                                           
8. Travel to and from different sites and assist recipients with traveling training.
9. Verbally engage and empathize with consumers based on common experiences.
10. Assist consumers in identifying community supports and facilitating linkages.
11. Assist consumers in planning and coordination of recreational/social activities.  At times this may require escorting clients to these activities and/or participate in moderate physical activities as part of this task.
12. Responsible for input into CAIRS upon admission, bi-annually, and discharge.
13. Attend and participate in all team meetings.
14. Coordinate with primary clinician and primary nurse as needed between team meetings.
15. Participate in supervision with Team Leader.
16. Document any progress notes in EHR within 48 hours of all client and collateral contacts, as well as for status updates on any application processes.
17. Participate in OMH approved/required ACT Orientations and Trainings.
18. Participate in activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
19. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
20. Responsible for reporting and documenting all incidents to immediate supervisor within 24 hours
21. Develop treatment plans with the input of other members of the ACT team and the consumers, if applicable.
22. Coordinate case management services in order to ensure comprehensive development of an individual’s service plan.
23. Coordinate services with other members the ACT Team.
24. Assists clients with case management needs; transportation to and from appointments, applying and following up with all eligible benefits and entitlements and any other needs deemed appropriate by treatment team.
25. Assists in the planning, developing and implementation of goals and training to further develop participants’ skills, including but not limited to:

• Budgeting
• Grooming
• Nutritional planning
• Use of public transportation
• Use of community resources
• Shopping
• Housekeeping
• Physical health & development
• Adaptive behavior/independent living
• Nutrition
• Vocational development
• Social development

    26. Acts as a role model for participants; furthers participants in researching and obtaining community resources appropriate and applicable to their needs and goals; follows-up on any aftercare/recommendations for treatment.    27.Provide crisis intervention and mental health counseling as needed.    28. Input all visits and data into Vellohealth software application.

other responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate ability to: maintain required written documentations; communicate relevant information to other staff and supervisor(s), verbally and in writing.

2. Ability to work flexible schedules as work schedules, trainings and location are subject to change
3. Ability to operate an agency vehicle.
4. Attend all required training’s and any relevant to the position or deemed necessary by Team Leader.
5. Participate in activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
6. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
7. This does not limit the assignment of duties or exclude the performance of other duties not mentioned as assigned by supervisor, the Team Leader, Deputy Director, Director, and/or Senior Management.
8. Responsible for reporting and documenting all incidents to immediate supervisor within 24 hours.
9. Provide 24-hour/seven day a week emergency coverage via emergency cell phone to provide crisis intervention services after program hours on a rotating basis, if applicable.

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with recipients of mental health services.

• Life experience with mental health or substance abuse history.

AND

• Two years of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or recipient run organizations or similar experiences or programs. 
• New York State Peer Specialist Certification, or willing to complete the certification within one year of employment.
• Master’s degree in social work or related field.
• Valid New York State Driver’s license and vehicle.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an 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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an 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 not exposed to weather conditions.

Benefits and Perks: At WellLife Network, we prioritize our employees' growth and well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, and flexible spending accounts. Enjoy perks like Summer Fridays, gym passes, and life insurance options. Our commitment to career advancement includes tuition assistance, mentorship, leadership training, and more. As a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, WellLife Network supports your career and financial goals while helping you make a meaningful community impact. Join us to experience a workplace that invests in your success and well-being!