Postvention Support Specialist - Tarrytown, NY - Mental Health Association Of Westchester : Job Details

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Postvention Support Specialist - Tarrytown, NY **The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA)** is a community-based not-for-profit committed to recovery-focused mental health services through advocacy, community education and direct services. We are recognized as the leader in Westchester in providing person-centered services that involve collaborating with each individual to achieve his or her goals.

MHA facilitates recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaborative work. Our highly trained staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.

Through our robust services, as well as our advocacy programs and community events, MHA is able to meet the needs of thousands of men, women, children and families each year, helping them live independent lives in the community.

***Join our Team!*** We have an exciting new opportunity for a part-time **Postvention Support Specialist** located in Tarrytown, NY. Part-Time 21 hours per week.

**SUMMARY of DUTIES**

This position provides peer support services to persons experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one to suicide. The services provided include emotional support, connection to various resources, and education to normalize the grief reactions associated with suicide loss. The Postvention Specialist will accept referrals from the community and other MHA programs. In addition, the Specialist will engage in outreach activities to inform the community and potential referral sources of the program. The Postvention Specialist will work closely with bereavement clinicians who offer therapy utilizing evidence-based approaches for addressing suicide loss, and may participate in individual or group therapy sessions as appropriate.

**SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES**

1. Delivers emotional support services to all individuals referred to the program.

2. Provides information and connection to community support services as needed.

3. Participates in/co-facilitates bereavement support groups for children, teens, and adults.

4. Documents and maintains records for individuals with whom contact has been made.

5. Adheres to all suicide risk protocols of the program.

6. Attends and/or participates in Ceremony of Remembrance.

7. Performs remembrance related tasks (updating roster, condolence cards, follow up calls).

8. Conducts outreach to strengthen existing programs by building relationships with new (and existing) referral sources including hospitals, schools, and clinicians.

9. Facilitate referrals to mental health providers as appropriate.

10. Adheres to all standards of practice established by MHA.

11. Other duties as assigned.

**REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS**

1. Ability to use time management effectively to appropriately complete all tasks.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of community resources.

3. Ability to utilize lived experience in support of others.

4. Ability to effectively communicate verbally (in person and by phone) and in writing.

5. Organizational and critical thinking skills a must.

6. Excellent attention to detail.

7. Familiarity with and ability to effectively use an Electronic Health Record and Microsoft Office suite of products.

8. Enjoys flexibility of work environment and duties.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

1. Lived experience with suicide loss and/or certification as a Peer Specialist or Family Peer Advocate preferred.

2. Knowledge of unique issues related to grief associated with suicide loss.

3. Bilingual (preferred) in one or more of the following: Spanish, Italian, Haitian, Creole, Greek, French and/or American Sign Language proficiency.

4. Demonstrate effective communication skills, and the ability to work successfully with a wide range of people.

5. Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

6. Basic Computer knowledge and ability to document in an electronic health record (EHR) is required.

7. Must have a valid Drivers License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.

8. Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.

9. Must be cleared NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.

10. Must be cleared by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.

11. Must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.

12. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law.

To apply, please send your cover letter and rsum by e-mail to **[email protected]** with **Bereavement Counselor** as the subject line of the e-mail. Thank you.