I provided strength-based recovery oriented peer services to individuals diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who experience various levels of emotional and psychiatric crisis within a respite center environment. In doing so, I promoted peer values of hope, recovery and self-determination.Demonstrated leadership skills, responsible for ensuring guest's safety and maintaining the upkeep of the respite center during shift. Responsible for screening individuals seeking admittance into… Show more I provided strength-based recovery oriented peer services to individuals diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who experience various levels of emotional and psychiatric crisis within a respite center environment. In doing so, I promoted peer values of hope, recovery and self-determination.Demonstrated leadership skills, responsible for ensuring guest's safety and maintaining the upkeep of the respite center during shift. Responsible for screening individuals seeking admittance into crisis respite program based on program eligibility and requirements. I have been trained to use several recovery models, including Intentional Peer Support (IPS), Trauma Informed Care, Need Adapted Treatment Model (NATM) and Peer Health Navigation (PHN) as a way to support individuals through tough times. Through use of these various recovery models, I have been successful at challenging psychosis related experiences and encouraging individuals to work toward a wellness lifestyle by taking personal responsibility for their lives. I provided optional self-help tools for prevention and recovery such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). I was able to advocate for individuals and promote self-advocacy with regard to accessing resources in the community such as benefits, housing and employment opportunities. I provided linkage to community based care coordination services. Responsibile for documenting interactions with guests ie, intake admission, interim progress, discharge summaries and post-discharge follow-up via AWARDS system. Show less

As a Peer Counselor, I provided direct mental health service to recipients in outpatient, community support programs, and residential settings. I educated recipients about self-help techniques and guided recipients through group activity; taught effective coping strategies; assisted with goal setting; and, helped recipients develop support systems. As a Peer Counselor my mission was to assist recipients in regaining personal control over their lives and over their own recovery process.

Represented agency within coalitions, including New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) and Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc.; worked with community organizer to increase staff and consumer mental health activism; played an active role in advocating for NYC Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) ie, researching, meeting with City Councilman and putting together press kits for the organization of NYC Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) press conference; assisted with… Show more Represented agency within coalitions, including New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) and Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc.; worked with community organizer to increase staff and consumer mental health activism; played an active role in advocating for NYC Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) ie, researching, meeting with City Councilman and putting together press kits for the organization of NYC Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) press conference; assisted with internal and external print and electronic newsletters; conducted outreach regarding NYAPRS and Community Access events. Played a role in reviewing and selecting films and documentaries for the agency's annual mental health film festival. Show less