Won't you take the VOCAL member survey? 

VOCAL has designed a survey to better understand our members' needs. We are excited to have your voice shape our programming!

Please go to: surveymonkey.com/s/B7N78M3 and give us your input! Thank you!

Webinar: "Organizational Considerations for Successful Implementation of Peer Support Services" - Posted 6.30 

Friday, July 11, 3:00 p.m. 

In May, 2013, CMS/SAMHSA released a joint informational bulletin that clarified the definition of "Peer" to include adults, families, and youth. As a result of this clarification many organizations are working closely with their states to expand current peer services to include the full spectrum of service possibilities. Currently, 32 states have included Peer Support in their Medicaid State Plan, many through the Rehab Option. Many of these states currently offer only Adult Peer Support services and are in the process of expanding services to be inclusive of family and youth models. Many states that do not currently offer Peer Support as a Medicaid reimbursable service are considering this option but until this becomes a reality, provider organizations must rely upon alternate types of funding.

Please join the webinar as we explore the evolution of this emerging workforce.

Instructions for joining the July 11 webinar:

Go to -http://nasmhpd.adobeconnect.com/ocpps/

(Please either right click on the link or copy and paste the link into a new tab.)    When the Adobe Connect Log-in screen appears, select "Enter as a Guest," enter the name and state of the participant in the "Name" field (Ex. Jane Doe-AK) and click on "Enter Room."     Once prompted to join the Audio portion of the meeting, please select:  "Dialing-in to the Audio Conference Via Phone." Then dial 1-888-727-2247 and enter the conference ID number 5433540#.  

VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #6 - Posted 6.5

"What does spiritual wellness mean?"

SAMHSA defines spiritual wellness as: 

"expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life" by making time for practices that enhance our sense of connection to self, nature, or others and finding a community that shares our spiritual outlook. 

VOCAL'S Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #5 - Posted 5.5

"Taking a Look at What Makes Up Environmental Wellness"

SAMHSA defines environmental wellness as: "Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being". Does where you live and/or work fit this definition? Do you find that your overall well-being is supported there?

Veterans Peer Support Group at On Our Own of Roanoke - Posted 6.2

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers - Posted 5.5

The Veterans Employment Center, an inter-agency collaboration from the White House's Joining Forces initiative, has announced a new online tool to provide veterans with employment resources. ebenefits.va.govwill connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.

For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org. 

Job Opportunity for FT Peer Support Mentor: Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (Troy, NY) - Posted 6.16

The Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (MHEP) is a self-help and peer support agency that was organized in 1988 to develop and strengthen self-help and mutual support activities throughout the United States.   The Peer Support Mentor position is based at The Empowerment Exchange in Troy, New York. The Empowerment Exchange is a peer support program dedicated to offering strategies that encourage people throughout Rensselaer County to use their personal power and the power of peer support to move forward in their lives.

*         Helping people to establish creative community connections that assist them to develop natural supports;

*       Providing individualized peer-to-peer outreach and support to people who may find it difficult to reach out and connect to their communities;

*       Offering individualized advocacy and support services to help a person learn and protect their rights and interests. This may include assisting people to work through system processes and procedures; researching information, preparing documents, role-playing situations and attending meetings as needed;

*        Establishing connections to community based activities that may enhance wellness, recovery and social engagement.

*       Engaging people in one on one recovery planning, using tools such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning and Intentional Peer Support;   Assisting people to choose, record and achieve wellness goals;

*       Mentoring volunteers.

*       Organizing and coordinating wellness/recovery events and activities

*       Any duties deemed appropriate to achieve the goals of the project.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have direct, personal experience using mental health services and modeling principles of recovery and wellness. They will be an active team member, offering support and assistance to ongoing projects. Basic computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office are required. Additionally, this person will be able to work independently on projects and meet deadlines. The ability to demonstrate knowledge of job duties through follow-up and accurate record keeping is also important. A clean, NYS Drivers License and reliable transportation is also required.

MHEP is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit and hire qualified people who may have disabilities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or sexual orientation. 

To express interest in this position, please email, fax or send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: 

Pam Maxim, Administrative Director,  Mental Health Empowerment Project

3 Atrium Drive, Suite 205 
Albany, NY 12205 

Fax:     518.434.3823
Email: mhepinc@aol.com 

No phone calls, please. 
Resumes must be received by August 8th