Certified Peer Specialist (CTC) - Community Support Program

The Bridge; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

The Bridge Inc. in New York, NY is seeking a Part-Time Connections to Care Peer Specialist.

The role focuses on community-based support for individuals and families affected by homelessness and mental health challenges, with most work conducted in the field and in shelters or drop-in centers. Candidates should hold a Certified Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate credential, have strong English communication skills (Spanish desired), and demonstrate solid computer proficiency.

Qualifications

• Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Spanish helpful.
• Strong computer skills are required.
• Lived experience in mental health, substance use, homelessness, or justice system encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide person-centered peer support.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely.
• Partner with clients, families, and community organizations to support recovery goals.
• Coordinate care with hospitals, treatment programs, probation/parole, and service providers.
• Conduct psychosocial and other clinical assessments as needed.
• Assist clients in developing service plans and crisis prevention plans.
• Apply evidence-based practices to address mental health and substance use challenges.
• Help clients access housing, benefits, employment, education, and health services.
• Provide advocacy and support related to legal needs and navigating the justice system.

Skills

Communication skills

Spanish language

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: New York, NY 10025

Position Type: Part-Time

Education Level: BA/BSSalary

Salary Range: $21.97 - $21.97 Hourly

Scope of Position

The Connections to Care (CTC) Peer Specialist provides community-based support to individuals, youth, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness who are living with serious mental illness, emotional disturbance, or co-occurring disorders. About 80% of the work takes place in the field—on the streets, in subways, drop-in centers, or shelters. As part of The Bridge, a respected mental health agency, the Peer Specialist helps carry out our mission to offer help, hope, and opportunity through a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens, while addressing the impact of systemic racism on the communities we serve.

Essential Position Functions

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide person-centered peer support services to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), or co-occurring disorders (COD).
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely, high-quality manner.
• Partner with clients, their families, and community organizations to support progress toward treatment and recovery goals.
• Coordinate care with hospitals, substance use treatment programs, probation and parole, and other relevant service providers.
• Conduct psychosocial, substance use, and other clinical assessments as needed.
• Support clients in developing individualized service plans and crisis/relapse prevention plans.
• Apply evidence-based practices (e.g., WRAP, harm reduction) to address mental health and substance use challenges.
• Assist clients in accessing support for housing, benefits, employment, education, vocational goals, community integration, and physical health care.
• Provide advocacy and support related to legal needs, including navigating the criminal justice system and coordinating with legal agencies.

Qualifications

• Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English required; proficiency in Spanish is highly desired.
• Strong computer skills are needed.
• Lived experience in mental health, substance use, criminal justice, or homelessness is highly encouraged.

The Bridge Inc. is an Affiliation / Equal Opportunity Employer