Advocacy & Peer Support Specialist

New York State Office of Mental Health; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) seeks an Advocacy Specialist 2 to join the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services in the NYC field office. The role promotes peer recovery values and the inclusion of peers, families, and communities in state mental health policy and program planning.

You will collaborate with field offices and providers to deliver technical assistance, lived expertise, and training statewide.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or homeless youth.
• Substitution rules allow degree-based substitutions as described above.
• Lived mental health experience and peer advocacy credentials are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between OMH and the community to promote voice, choice, and participation in services.
• Conduct outreach, attend events, tabling at conferences, and provide peer support training.
• Mentor individuals to connect with peer services and guide programs on best practices.
• Guide agencies in developing peer/recovery-oriented services and supporting the peer workforce.
• Participate in program/licensing visits and provide feedback on strengths and improvement needs.
• Contribute to internal workgroups and provide data to departments to foster systemic changes.
• Support Peer Specialists within state-operated centers in the five boroughs.

Education

Associate degree substitution for two years of general experience

Bachelor’s degree substitution for four years of general experience

Master’s degree substitution for five years of general experience

Doctorate substitution for six years of general experience

Job description

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) seeks an Advocacy Specialist 2 to join the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services in the NYC field office. The role promotes peer recovery values and the inclusion of peers, families, and communities in state mental health policy and program planning.

You will collaborate with field offices and providers to deliver technical assistance, lived expertise, and training statewide.