Peer Specialist-CI531502

Minimum Qualifications

Education: No education needed

Experience:

1. Completion of an internship or comparable training in peer advocacy preferred.


2. Experience providing advocacy or support services to individuals who are mentally ill and/or homeless.


3. Past or current recipient of mental health, substance use, or homeless services strongly preferred.

Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Work Location Requirement: On-site located in Coney Island on 2855 W 37th St, Brooklyn

Compensation:

Salary: $24.43 an hour

What we Offer:

We provide competitive benefits, including:

1. Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical (HSA), Dental and Vision plans


2. 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match


3. Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, Personal, Sick, Mental Health Days and 12 paid holidays


4. Employee Wellness Programs: Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources


5. Learning & Development Opportunities: Educational Leave and Tuition Assistance, Training and Career Development Tracks


6. Additional Perks: Commuter Benefits, recognition programs, discount programs, flexible spending plans, voluntary benefits including pet insurance, identity theft insurance, legal plans, and voluntary ancillary benefits.

About the role: The Peer Specialist works in a unique 9‑bed, short‑term residential program serving individuals who were previously street homeless. Under the supervision of the Team Leader/Evening Coordinator, the Peer Specialist uses personal lived experience to support residents in developing coping skills, symptom management strategies, and recovery goals. The role provides supportive counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and assistance accessing community resources. Peer Specialists help residents build the skills and confidence needed to achieve housing readiness, independence, and meaningful community integration.

Primary Responsibilities:

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  Provide supportive counseling to help residents identify and work toward service needs and life goals, including housing.

  
  


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  Educate residents on self‑help techniques, group processes, coping strategies, and symptom management.

  
  


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  Assist residents in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals.

  
  


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  Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case records and documentation.

  
  


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  Help residents access medical, social, educational, financial, and vocational services.

  
  


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  Support residents in meeting service plan goals and preparing for discharge.

  
  


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  Explain available clinical services and ICL programs; teach daily living and socialization skills.

  
  


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  Perform crisis assessments and provide verbal and nonverbal crisis intervention.

  
  


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  Accompany residents to appointments and advocate on their behalf with external providers.

  
  


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  Assist residents in accessing vocational or training opportunities.

  
  


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  Report incidents and complete incident documentation per agency policy.

  
  


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  Attend clinical meetings, staff meetings, supervision, and required trainings.

  
  


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  Comply with infection control, attendance, and timekeeping policies.

  
  


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  Perform other related duties as assigned.