OPWDD Peer Associate - Day Hab

POSITION SUMMARY

The OPWDD Peer Associate provides person-centered, individualized support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receiving services through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The position supports individuals in achieving greater independence, developing meaningful relationships, participating in their communities, pursuing personal goals, and enhancing their overall quality of life. The Peer Associate uses personal experience, lived experience where applicable, empathy, advocacy, and professional skills to establish supportive relationships with individuals. The position promotes self-determination, choice, recovery, empowerment, and community inclusion while ensuring services are provided in accordance with everyone’s Person-Centered Plan, Life Plan, Staff Action Plan, and all applicable OPWDD regulations and organizational policies.

 

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides direct, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Assists individuals in identifying and pursuing personal goals, interests, strengths, and opportunities for greater independence.
• Promotes self-advocacy, informed choice, self-determination, and meaningful participation in all aspects of the individual's life.
• Supports individuals with activities of daily living, as appropriate, including personal care, meal preparation, household responsibilities, mobility, and community participation.
• Assists individuals in developing and maintaining social connections, relationships, and natural supports.
• Facilitates participation in community-based activities, educational opportunities, volunteer experiences, employment, recreational activities, and other personally meaningful pursuits.
• Provides peer support and mentoring, where applicable, by fostering hope, empowerment, resilience, and confidence.
• Assists individuals in navigating challenges, developing coping and problem-solving skills, and identifying strategies that support their personal goals.
• Encourages individuals to express their preferences, needs, concerns, and goals and support them in advocating for themselves.
• Works collaboratively with the individual's interdisciplinary team, including family members, Care Managers, Support Brokers, clinicians, and other service providers, as appropriate.
• Implements individualized plans and supports in accordance with OPWDD requirements and organizational policies.
• Observes and documents an individual's progress, participation, significant events, and other required information accurately and timely.
• Completes all required service documentation, including progress notes, daily documentation, incident reporting, and other records in accordance with agency, Medicaid, and OPWDD requirements.
• Recognizes and promptly report incidents, injuries, allegations, concerns, or changes in an individual's condition in accordance with applicable regulations and agency policy.
• Participates in required meetings, training, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Maintains required certifications, clearances, and training requirements for the position.
• Provides transportation and/or accompany individuals to appointments, activities, and community events, as assigned.

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team while maintaining the unique perspective and values of peer support.

• Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Experience:

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, and/or person-centered services preferred.

• Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:

• SCIP and CPR/FA required (provided upon hire if needed)
• Valid AMAP certification required (must be obtained within 120 days of hire)

• Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:

• Interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and respect for individual choice and dignity.
• Knowledge of OPWDD services and regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning, self-determination, community inclusion, and individual rights preferred.
• Ability to use lived experience in a supportive and professional manner.
• Computer skills and ability to learn electronic health records and related applications.

• Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and satisfy criteria to be an agency driver preferred
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, clearances, and mandatory training.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed in-person at the assigned program site. Some travel between FREE and community locations required. Travel can be in a personal, company, or SCAT vehicle.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours).
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets.
• Employee is required to reach with hands and arms.
• Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed.
• Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.