Peer Specialist

Pride Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

PrideGlobal is seeking a peer support specialist to work with guests experiencing mental health crises, drawing on lived experience to aid recovery and well-being. Three schedule options are available: Thu-Mon 8am-4pm; Tue-Sat 4pm-12am; Sat-Wed 12am-8am.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and IPS-based approaches, with collaboration with Health Home staff. Demonstrated resilience and ability to share experiences respectfully are essential.

Qualifications

• Respect for and comfort working with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Responsibilities

• Develop supportive partnerships with guests in crisis using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and intentional peer support approaches.
• Promote a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment where guests feel heard and valued; practice Intentional Peer Support (IPS) principles.
• Utilize personal experience with the behavioral health system to support guests in their individual recovery journeys.
• Foster a sense of community and connection through shared lived experiences, encouragement, and participation in daily program activities.
• Assist with the pre-registration process for individuals referred from hospitals, treatment providers, or self-referrals.
• Support intake and onboarding of new guests, including service orientation, facility tours, and introductions to staff and peers.
• Collaborate with Health Home staff and other community providers to help guests identify and achieve short-term goals during their stay.
• Facilitate individual and group-based activities, including: Wellness self-management; WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan); Peer support groups; Harm reduction education; Social and recreational activities.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and encouragement toward goal achievement.
• Advocate for guests and assist with accessing healthcare and community services, addressing barriers such as transportation, stigma, and communication challenges.
• Support guests with activities of daily living (ADLs) and help maintain a clean, safe living environment.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of guest interactions, services provided, significant events, referrals, and collateral contacts in accordance with program requirements.
• Perform general household duties and support meal preparation, including assisting guests with accessing food, snacks, and toiletries, while encouraging independence and participation.
• Participate in data collection and reporting related to program outcomes and service delivery.
• Attend and actively engage in supervision, team meetings, training sessions, and case conferences.
• Provide flexible coverage, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Skills

Lived Experience

Trauma-Informed Care

Peer Support

Active Listening

De-escalation

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NYCPS Certification (ACTIVE)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Scope of the Role

Utilize experience as a recipient of behavioral health services with a willingness to share personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first‑hand insight to benefit program enrollees.

Three different schedule options:

• Thursday - Monday 8am-4pm
• Tuesday - Saturday 4pm-12am
• Saturday - Wednesday 12am-8am

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop supportive partnerships with guests experiencing crisis using trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented, and intentional peer support approaches.
• Promote a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment where guests feel heard and valued; practice Intentional Peer Support (IPS) principles.
• Utilize personal experience with the behavioral health system to support guests in their individual recovery journeys.
• Foster a sense of community and connection through shared lived experiences, encouragement, and participation in daily program activities.
• Assist with the pre‑registration process for individuals referred from hospitals, treatment providers, or self‑referrals.
• Support intake and onboarding of new guests, including service orientation, facility tours, and introductions to staff and peers.
• Collaborate with Health Home staff and other community providers to help guests identify and achieve short‑term goals during their stay.
• Facilitate individual and group‑based activities, including:
• Wellness self‑management
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
• Peer support groups
• Harm reduction education
• Social and recreational activities
• Provide ongoing follow‑up and encouragement toward goal achievement.
• Advocate for guests and assist with accessing healthcare and community services, addressing barriers such as transportation, stigma, and communication challenges.
• Support guests with activities of daily living (ADLs) and help maintain a clean, safe living environment.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of guest interactions, services provided, significant events, referrals, and collateral contacts in accordance with program requirements.
• Perform general household duties and support meal preparation, including assisting guests with accessing food, snacks, and toiletries, while encouraging independence and participation.
• Participate in data collection and reporting related to program outcomes and service delivery.
• Attend and actively engage in supervision, team meetings, training sessions, and case conferences.
• Provide flexible coverage, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Demonstrated respect for and comfort working with individuals experiencing mental health crises
• Lived experience with the mental health system, with the ability and willingness to share appropriately and respectfully in a peer support setting
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• NYCPS or NYCPS‑P Certification (ACTIVE)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience working in a behavioral health or related setting, ideally within a recovery‑oriented model
• Completion of a core Peer Specialist training program preferred (required within the probationary period if not already completed)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active and empathetic listening
• Ability to apply critical thinking, problem‑solving, and de‑escalation techniques to support a safe, recovery‑focused environment
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred

Benefits

PrideGlobal and its affiliates offer eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), 401(k) retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home insurance, pet insurance and employee discounts with preferred vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PrideGlobal and its affiliates are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Fair Chance Employment

PrideGlobal and its affiliates are a Fair Chance employer. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and ordinances, including the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local Fair Chance ordinances.

Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact us.

Only applicable for San Francisco Candidates: Under the San Francisco Lactation in the Workplace Ordinance, we will provide written notice of lactation accommodation rights, and this notice will automatically be given upon hiring, any inquiry of parental leave or lactation accommodation.