Transitional Services for New York, Inc., (TSINY) not-for profit, is a comprehensive, community-based mental health organization located in New York City.  We provide a continuum of rehabilitative services to enrich the lives of those recovering from mental illness and facilitate their transition to increased levels of independence.  Transitional Services for New York, Inc. envisions broadening its rehabilitative services and becoming a regional social service provider. Transitional Services for New York Staff will deliver effective programs with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. We expect all staff to put our clients’ needs first while respecting ourselves and each other as we provide hope to those who participate in our programs.

TSINY is looking for Wellness Coach for one of our mental health residential programs located in Queens, NY.

Annual Salary: $36 Per Hour

Valid Driver License Required

Position Summary

Provide engagement and support services, particularly to residents engaging in risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol misuse, unsafe sexual practices and self-harm, using a harm reduction model. The emphasis is on meeting individuals “where they are at” and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to individuals engaging in risky behaviors. Provide consultation, training and support to program staff in their work with residents.

Essential Functions

• Contact and build relationships with participants in the target population. 
• Coordinate and facilitate weekly health education groups. 
• Distribute harm reduction supplies, hygiene supplies, education materials.
• Provide preventive health education around substance use and safer sex practices.
• Refer participants into counseling, mental health and medical services.
• Refer participants into drug treatment and housing.
• Use harm and risk reduction group interventions to help residents gain the knowledge and skills to positively impact their mental, physical and overall health and well-being.

Use harm and risk reduction interventions to help initiate and maintain positive behavior change and to empower clients with the information necessary to take control of their lives and their health.

• Assist clients in developing the skills, direction and motivation necessary to graduate to more independent housing settings.
• Assist residents to develop life skills in the direction of maximum autonomy.
• Assist residents to link up with community resources, such as employment, day programs and vocational rehabilitation services.
• Meet on a regular basis with interdisciplinary team for assessment and information on resident.
• Provide crisis management when required.
• Be able to sit or stand as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May require walking, primarily on a level surface, for short periods throughout the day, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Be able to reach above shoulder heights, below the waist or lift as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Driver’s license required
• During a declared disaster, assume and adhere to assigned Job Action role(s) consistent with Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Experience/Education/Skills/Abilities

Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree plus one years’ experience or High School diploma plus two years’ experience with substance and addictions. CASAC highly preferred.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be detail oriented.
• Be able to work independently and take initiative.
• Have the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Have the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employee, as well as external contacts.
• Be able to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Be proficient with basic office equipment, such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, printers, PCs.
• Be able to work effectively using program management and other tools on a personal computer for long periods of time.
• Possess ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Be able to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and evaluate alternative courses of action.
• Be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and clients.