Peer Specialist

Priority Dispatch Corp.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority Dispatch Corp. seeks a Peer Specialist in the New York City area to support clients on their recovery and rehousing journey. The role draws on lived experience to inspire hope, foster relationships, and empower self-determination.

Responsibilities include empathetic peer support, skill-building, advocacy, coordinating with case managers, and facilitating groups, with potential evening/weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Lived experience with homelessness/mental health/trauma/substance use.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass drug test.

Responsibilities

• Provide empathetic peer support for clients.
• Assist clients in building skills, confidence, and supportive relationships as they prepare for independent or supportive living.
• Advocate on behalf of clients within the team and in the broader community.
• Facilitate peer-led groups and provide one-on-one support to clients.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized recovery plans and coping strategies.
• Coordinate client logistics for medical appointments, therapy sessions, and group participation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all resident, staff and agency information.
• Support program staff with project-based work.
• Conduct after care follow-up in coordination with case managers.

Skills

Empathy

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Title: Peer SpecialistLocation: New York City Metropolitan AreaReport to: Director of Social ServicesClassification: Non-exemptEmployment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)Role Summary: A Peer Specialist is a compassionate and motivated individual who supports clients throughout their recovery and rehousing journey. Drawing on their own lived experiences, the Peer Specialist inspire hope, foster meaningful relationships, and promote empowerment and self-determination. Thay play a vital role in assisting clients in developing essential skills and accessing necessary resources.Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties:The job duties of the Peer Specialist include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:Provide empathetic peer support for clientsAssist clients in building skills, confidence, and supportive relationships as they prepare for independent or supportive livingAdvocate on behalf of an alongside clients within the team and in the broader communityFacilitate peer-led run groups and provide one-on-one support to clientsCollaborate with clients to develop individualized recovery plan, coping strategies, and rehabilitation goalsCoordinate client logistics to develop logistics, including medical appointments, therapy sessions, and support group participationPromptly report any unusual behavior, conflict, or deviation from recovery progress to the Social Service staffActively identify and facilitate linkages to appropriate community resourcesEscort clients to program-related appointments as neededAssist with planning and executing program events and activitiesMaintain strict confidentiality regarding all resident, staff and agency informationSupporting program staff with assigned project-based workConduct after care follow-up in coordination with case managersAssess clients' behavior and psychological needsIdentifying and respond appropriately when clients may be at risk of harming themselves or othersPhysical Requirements:Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.Ability to lift, carry, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed.Work Environment / Schedule Requirements:May at times be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays based on organizational needs, deadlines, or events.Qualifications:High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.Lived experience with homelessness/displacement, mental health conditions, trauma, and/or substance use challenges.Highly compassionate with strong attention to detail.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.Must pass drug test to be appointed.This position may be subject to a series of checks before and/or after appointment.