Certified Peer Support Specialist (Hybrid) NYC Area

Healthfirst; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) contributions

Incentive and recognition programs

Job summary

Healthfirst is seeking a Peer Support Specialist in New York to utilize lived experience to support members struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, conducting field-based visits, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to promote effective treatment and recovery.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, certification as a Peer Specialist, and strong communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload and work effectively within a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Work experience requiring effective communication and engagement skills.
• Valid New York State driver’s license or ID.

Responsibilities

• Manage a designated caseload of members who benefit from peer support services and care coordination.
• Schedule and conduct multiple field-based visits per day.
• Document all encounters with providers, members, and vendors.

Skills

Effective communication

Engagement skills

Healthy boundary setting

Proficient computer skills

Peer support services

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification as a Peer Specialist

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

As a valued member of the Behavioral Health Care Management Team, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) utilizes lived experience to model recovery and support Healthfirst members who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders. The PSS works directly with members in field‑based settings and telephonically to promote a person‑centered approach to care, identify resources, facilitate linkages to services, and empower members to engage in treatment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a designated caseload of members who benefit from peer support services, care coordination, and health navigation.
• Schedule and conduct multiple field‑based visits per day, clustered by geographic area.
• Complete assessments and questionnaires to identify barriers and opportunities for intervention.
• Work telephonically when not in the field to make outreach calls and receive incoming calls regarding benefit questions, care coordination, program inquiries, and connections to care managers.
• Generate referrals to providers, community‑based resources, and appropriate services to support goal achievement and maintenance of successful health outcomes.
• Liaise between service providers such as doctors, social workers, discharge planners, and community providers to ensure coordinated care and address members’ needs.
• Collaborate as part of the multidisciplinary health care team to ensure care needs are addressed within members’ care plans and treatment remains person‑centered.
• Contribute to corporate goals through ongoing execution of member care plans, goal achievement, and successful coordination with local supports.
• Document all encounters with providers, members, and vendors in the appropriate systems following internal and established documentation procedures.
• Provide occasional overtime as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification or provisional certification as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Peer Advocate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload and work effectively within a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Work experience requiring effective communication, engagement skills, and healthy boundary setting.
• Proficient computer skills, including a solid understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to travel throughout downstate New York, including the 5 boroughs, Long Island, Orange County, and Westchester.
• Valid New York State driver’s license or ID.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and one or more languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese).
• Prior experience in a field‑based health care role (home visits a plus).
• Experience using health information systems to document and/or retrieve information.
• Experience with geriatric or other at‑risk populations, including their caregivers.
• Experience in hospital/facility discharge planning.
• Experience managing member information in a shared network environment using paperless database modules and archival systems.
• Familiarity with areas of New York City, Long Island, and/or lower Westchester.

Benefits & Compensation

Hiring Range (Greater New York City Area): $39,208 - $52,000. All other approved locations: $34,091 - $49,920. In addition to salary, Healthfirst offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) contributions, incentive and recognition programs, and other employee benefits subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employment

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.

Accommodations

If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a similar law and need a reasonable accommodation for your job search or application, please email [e-mail] or call 212‑519‑1798. In your email, include a description of the accommodation requested and the position you are applying for.