Peer Specialist

Scope of the role:
Utilize experience as a recipient of behavioral health services with a willingness to share personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit program enrollees.

Two Different Schedule options:

• Sun-Thurs, 10am-6pm
• Thur-Mon, 1pm-9pm

• Develop supportive partnerships with guests experiencing crisis using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and intentional peer support approaches.
• Promote a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment where guests feel heard and valued; practice Intentional Peer Support (IPS) principles.
• Utilize personal experience with the behavioral health system to support guests in their individual recovery journeys.
• Foster a sense of community and connection through shared lived experiences, encouragement, and participation in daily program activities.
• Assist with the pre-registration process for individuals referred from hospitals, treatment providers, or self-referrals.
• Support intake and onboarding of new guests, including service orientation, facility tours, and introductions to staff and peers.
• Collaborate with Health Home staff and other community providers to help guests identify and achieve short-term goals during their stay.
• Facilitate individual and group-based activities, including:
  • Wellness self-management
  • WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
  • Peer support groups
  • Harm reduction education
  • Social and recreational activities
• Provide ongoing follow-up and encouragement toward goal achievement.
• Advocate for guests and assist with accessing healthcare and community services, addressing barriers such as transportation, stigma, and communication challenges.
• Support guests with activities of daily living (ADLs) and help maintain a clean, safe living environment.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of guest interactions, services provided, significant events, referrals, and collateral contacts in accordance with program requirements.
• Perform general household duties and support meal preparation, including assisting guests with accessing food, snacks, and toiletries, while encouraging independence and participation.
• Participate in data collection and reporting related to program outcomes and service delivery.
• Attend and actively engage in supervision, team meetings, training sessions, and case conferences.
• Provide flexible coverage, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Required Education and Experience:
• Demonstrated respect for and comfort working with individuals experiencing mental health crises
• Lived experience with the mental health system, with the ability and willingness to share appropriately and respectfully in a peer support setting
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• NYCPS or NYCPS-P Certification (ACTIVE)
• Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
• Experience working in a behavioral health or related setting, ideally within a recovery-oriented model
• Completion of a core Peer Specialist training program preferred (required within the probationary period if not already completed)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active and empathetic listening
• Ability to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation techniques to support a safe, recovery-focused environment
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred