BRIDGES

Improving Access; Enhancing Quality of Life for People with Disabilities

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Student Peer Specialist

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Student Peer Specialist ( Part Time)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

This position is responsible for the daily services provided under BRIDGES’ Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for Students with Disabilities Program. Provide Case Management and Peer support for youth, ages14 – 21, in the Pre-ETS Program whose purpose is to provide services that prepare youth for successful long-term employment consistent with their strengths, abilities, interests, and informed choice.  Provide youth with supplemental supports to overcome gaps related to specific barriers, and to foster post-secondary success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

General

  • Some college courses; enrolled in college; 2 to 3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bilingual preferred
  • A valid Driver’s License
  • Must be able to travel locally and regionally for trainings

Job Specific

  • Ability to communicate with School Districts, Colleges and Universities, Community-based Organizations, Training Programs, Juvenile Justice Programs, and Foster Care Agencies
  • Must be available some weekends, evenings, and while school is not in session
  • Must have life experience in order to guide and support youth with disabilities
  • Must be person-centered and passionate; able to build relationships, provide positive reinforcement and empowerment
  • Maintain a creative, flexible, non-judgmental approach
  • Strong ability to set boundaries and clear expectations
  • Demonstrate ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Efficient with time management and strong organizational skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently and as a member of a case management team
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
  • Satisfactory background check required

Performance & Quality Improvement

General

  • Maintain confidientiality for all persons served in all situations
  • Maintain accurate record-keeping, including and not limited to: correspondence, calendars, notes, and messages
  • Keeps stringent case file documentation and group attendance records
  • Comply with all NYS Education Department ACCES-VR reporting in a timely manner
  • Maintain all data generated and shares with PQI staff as needed.
  • When working with outside entities, control amount of information provided

Duties & Responsibilities:

General

  • All responsibilities for this position should be carried out with the Mission and Goals of the Agency in mind; including interactions with people who come to us for assistance, members

of the public, representatives from other agencies and county offices, as well as with co-workers

 

  • Comply with federal, state, and local financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforce adherence to requirements, and advise management on needed actions
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and protects Agency operations by keeping information confidential and secured
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; review professional publications; establish personal networks; participate in professional societies
  • Adhere to all Agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to corporate compliance, personnel and fiscal policies and procedures
  • Establish and maintain a strong attention to detail, ensure work is accurate and complete, and adheres to all established deadlines
  • Effectively and professionally interact with all levels of associates
  • Excellent interpersonal, active listening, observation, analytical, problem-recognition and problem-solving skills

Job Specific

  • Advocate for persons we serve as appropriate
  • Reduce stigma for persons served in our community
  • Conduct outreach and recruiting, communicating with School Districts, Colleges and Universities, Community Organizations, Training Programs, Juvenile Justice Programs, and Foster Care Agencies
  • Engage and empower participants to prepare for successful long-term employment consistent with their strengths, abilities, interests, and informed choice
  • Provide case-managed services to youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood
  • Provide supplemental supports for youth in Pre-ETS Program
  • Assist youth with summer planning
  • Process referrals and manage all case file documentation for Pre-ETS
  • Conduct Group Sessions for students with disabilities
  • Responsible for procedures from Intake and Assessment through Job Placement
  • Complete Pre-ETS Intakes/Assessments
  • Attend all webinars, meetings and trainings related to Pre-ETS
  • Responsible for accurate reporting for NYS Education Department/ACCES-VR
  • Additional duties and responsibilities per Supervisor as needed