Peer Counselor- Brooklyn

Family Health Center at NYU Langone; New York (NY); On-site; USD 38,504 - 47,061; Full time

Job summary

Family Health Center at NYU Langone is seeking a Peer Counselor to support patients with opioid use disorder. The role involves educating patients about treatment, conducting wellness groups, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will have a NYS certification as a Peer Specialist and strong interpersonal skills to engage with participants effectively.

This is a valuable opportunity to make a positive impact in the community with a focus on mental health and wellness.

Qualifications

• NYS certification as a Peer Specialist or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Experience in mental health self-help or peer advocacy programs.
• Willingness to work in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Educate patients on medical and mental health care importance.
• Outreach patients regularly to ensure engagement in treatment.
• Conduct Wellness Recovery and Action Plan (WRAP) groups.

Skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Empathy towards mental health participants

Judgment and understanding boundaries

Community outreach and engagement

Education

NYS certification as a Peer Specialist

Job description

Family Health Centers at NYU Langone, a designated Level 3 Medical Home, is the largest federally qualified health center network in New York State and the second largest in the nation. It includes eight primary care sites, 40 school‑based health centers and dental clinics, four day care centers, the nation’s largest dental residency program, and New York State’s largest behavioral health program. The network also includes 12 community medicine sites providing care to disenfranchised New Yorkers, comprehensive HIV services, chemical dependency programs, and a family support center that offers educational, vocational, and other social support programs. At NYU Langone Health, equity and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace inclusion and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge.

Position Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Peer Counselor. In this role, the successful candidate will support the work of our SAMHSA‑funded grant that aims to help people with opioid use disorder engage in treatment.

Job Responsibilities

• Educate patients about the importance of getting both medical care and mental health care, and attending all program appointments.
• Educate patients about the COD program, services offered, and answer questions about the program.
• Outreach patients by telephone on a regular basis to check how participants are doing, and to ensure that they are engaged and motivated to attend the program.
• Receive a list of patients who are not attending appointments, or have upcoming appointments, and call or send letters to help re‑engage those patients.
• Lead or co‑lead Wellness Recovery and Action Plan (WRAP) groups and/or Wellness Self‑Management groups (WSM). When one cycle of WRAP or WSM is complete, the Peer Navigator will repeat the group with new patients.
• Assist patients with information about community resources, such as basic needs, vocational, educational, legal, and housing services, and connect the patient to the Case Manager.
• Provide support to the community‑based mobile telehealth team.
• Participate in regular team meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify you must have a NYS certification as a Peer Specialist or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire. Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to, and effectively work with participants of mental health services. Active participation in mental health self‑help activities, peer support, peer advocacy programs, participant‑run organizations, or similar experiences. Willingness to work outside of the office setting, in the community and homes of participants. Excellent judgment and ability to understand boundaries when working with participants of mental health services.

Required Licenses

NY Certified Peer Specialists

EEO Statement

Family Health Centers at NYU Langone is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.

Salary Range

The salary range for the role is $42,783.13 - $42,783.14 annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses, incentives, differential pay, or other forms of compensation or benefits.

Pay Transparency Notice

To view the Pay Transparency Notice, please click here.