Peer Generalist

People USA; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

People USA in Kingston, NY is seeking a Peer Generalist to support the Peer Navigation program. You will provide peer-led, trauma-informed, relationship-centered services to individuals in need and help connect them to community resources to support long‑term recovery.

The role involves advocacy at hearings, rights education, crisis mediation, documentation, and collaboration with a diverse team. A high school diploma and NYS Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months are required; lived

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 3 years direct support experience.
• Must obtain NY State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery principles knowledge.
• Strong communication and boundary management abilities.
• Lived recovery experience strongly encouraged; driver’s license and own transportation.

Responsibilities

• Systemic Advocacy: accompany participants to hearings and housing reviews.
• Rights Education: teach about government assistance and tenant rights.
• Crisis Mediation: de-escalate crises using trauma-informed approaches.
• Resource Connection: identify non-traditional community resources.
• Empowerment Coaching: build self-advocacy for navigating systems.
• Group and participant programming focused on participant-led engagement.
• Maintain values-driven, peer-led, trauma-informed practice.
• Documentation, Reporting & Compliance; ensure timely records.
• Ensure completion of accurate program data and reports.
• Represent the agency at meetings and community events.
• Assist with program operations' oversight and improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Self-directed work

Decision making

Crisis de-escalation

Communication skills

Boundary management

Trauma-informed care

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months

Job description

Hourly Rate: $24.75 per hour Status: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Location: Kingston, NY

Total Hours: 40 Hours Per Week, Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

(Standardized alternative schedule can be discussed within general typical work hours)

Position Summary:

People USA will provide Dutchess/Ulster County with a Peer Generalist, who will support the functions of the Peer Navigation program in providing services to those in need. The Peer Navigation program provides site based, community-based, flexible, and sustained interventions for individuals who have frequently experienced acute distress, repeated emergency room visits and/ or hospitalizations, and for whom traditional programs of care have been ineffective. Using a peer-led, person-first, trauma informed approach, the peer model focuses on addressing participants’ immediate needs, building trust, and strengthening family and social networks to support long‑term recovery.

The Peer Generalist will practice relationship-centered, participant-driven services, will be a resource and advocate for participants, will coordinate integration of services with other programs, maintain compliance with program requirements, and support a healthy, collaborative team environment. This role requires strong skills in being self-directed to complete tasks, decision-making, and crisis de-escalation. The role also requires lived experience and uses personal lived experience to foster self-advocacy and systemic navigation. The Peer Generalist will be committed to peer values and flexible care coordination without traditional limits on time or setting.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Systemic Advocacy: Accompanied participants to hearings, social services appointments, and housing reviews to defend their rights.
• Rights Education: Teaches participants about available government assistance, tenant rights, and mental health self-determination.
• Crisis Mediation: De-escalates acute situations using trauma-informed care and peer-support frameworks.
• Resource Connection: Identifies non-traditional community resources when mainstream systems reject the participant.
• Empowerment Coaching: Builds self-advocacy skills so participants can eventually navigate systems independently.
• Group and participant programming focused on participant-led engagement.
• Ensure the approach remains Values driven, peer-led, person-first, trauma informed, and relationship-centered.
• Documentation, Reporting & Compliance.
• Ensure completion of accurate, timely documentation, including progress notes, reports, and program data.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies and state/regulatory standards.
• Represent the agency and program at internal meetings, community events, and collaborative workgroups.
• Assist with the oversight, expansion, and continuous improvement of program operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses or case management work.
• Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire through People-USA system.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged.
• Exceptional communication and boundary management.
• Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services.
• Must have a clean and valid driver's license and have your own transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of advocacy experience.
• Lived experience with comfort in appropriate self-disclosure.
• Experience working within non-traditional service models or with individuals who have frequent crisis-service utilization.
• Experience facilitating support groups, networking groups, or family‑engagement meetings.
• Familiarity with local behavioral health resources, social services, and community supports.

Reports to – Director of Peer Navigation