Mission Statement: “To empower and inspire people of all communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives”.

MHAW strives to develop an authentic, diverse workforce that embraces, creates, respects and demonstrates diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the work environment, towards one another and those we serve. We recognize that our agency is strongest when we all embrace the full spectrum of diversity and experience. We actively seek to employ a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve.

MHAW is a pro-vaccination agency, and has required all staff to be fully vaccinated and encourages service recipients to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The Peer Navigator for the DSS Shelter Project (Clinical Service Interventions to Homeless Persons Program) partners with the Homeless Shelter Clinical Care Coordinator to engage and support chronically homeless individuals throughout Suffolk County. The Peer Navigator assists individuals with identifying appropriate, permanent housing or with resolving barriers preventing return to other desired environments. The Peer Navigator works with individuals who have serious mental illness (SMI) and services may include linkage to needed services, monitoring established goals and providing case-specific advocacy. The Peer Navigator works closely with the individuals served until stable housing has been achieved. The Peer Navigator will identify opportunities for client engagement and conduct outreach in venues that HARP-enrolled/eligible clients may utilize such as homeless shelters, jail and forensic service offices, hospitals, and health/behavioral health centers. The Peer Navigator establishes supportive helping relationships and works with individuals to achieve improved overall health and social functioning. Utilizing personal, lived (first hand), recovery experience will be fundamental and expected in the role and practice.

Agency vehicles can be used but a safe, personal auto and a clean NYS Drivers License are required; mileage reimbursement provided. The Peer Navigator works closely with MHAW’s Care Management and HCBS teams. Weekly supervision will be provided. Great working environment; laptops and cell phones provided

A Bachelor’s degree in a human service/health discipline and two years’ experience is preferred. NYS Peer Specialist Certification (or completion underway) preferred. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate should possess or be quickly able to acquire the following skills and knowledge:

• Excellent inter-personal communication including the ability to establish empathic, empowering relationships with people who have experienced trauma, psychiatric and substance abuse challenges as well as chronic physical conditions;
• Strong communication skills with health professionals involved in the consumer’s care;
• Understanding of the key elements of recovery and wellness, including the role of family and self-help;
• Sound organizational skills and computer skills (agency uses electronic health records).
• Basic knowledge of the public health/mental health system, public entitlement and social service programs;
• Candidate must be a reliable self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.