Peer Specialist

The Child Center of NY; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Child Center of NY is seeking a Peer Specialist to join their Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. This role supports individuals with mental health and substance use challenges, using lived experience to foster engagement and empowerment. Responsibilities include facilitating peer support sessions, assisting with service navigation, and promoting recovery-oriented practices, ensuring holistic care in collaboration with clinical teams.

Qualifications

• Peer Specialist Certification required within six months of hire.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Basic computer skills, including EHR documentation.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate group peer support sessions promoting wellness and resilience.
• Assist individuals in navigating behavioral health and social service systems.
• Advocate for individuals' rights within treatment teams and external agencies.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Active Listening

Motivational Interviewing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

New York State Peer Specialist Certification

Completion of Peer Specialist training program

Job description

Sign-On Bonus: $3,000 Sign-On Bonus Eligible

Summary

The Child Center of NY is operating a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) , a federally recognized model designed to provide comprehensive, person-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based behavioral health care. CCBHCs offer a full continuum of integrated services, including mental health and substance use treatment, crisis intervention, care coordination, and peer support, ensuring accessible and holistic care for individuals and families.

The Peer Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals engaged in CCBHC services, using lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges to foster engagement, hope, and empowerment. The Peer Specialist provides peer-led interventions, assists with service navigation, and promotes recovery-oriented practices while collaborating with clinical teams and community partners to ensure person-centered care.

Essential Functions:

Build supportive, trusting relationships with individuals receiving services, using lived experience to provide hope and encouragement.

Facilitate individual and group peer support sessions to promote wellness, self-advocacy, and resilience.

Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage individuals in recovery-oriented care.

Assist individuals in navigating behavioral health, medical, housing, and social service systems.

Provide information and referrals to appropriate community resources based on individuals’ needs and goals.

Advocate for individuals’ rights and preferences within treatment teams and external agencies.

Support individuals in developing self-management skills, including coping strategies, wellness planning, and crisis prevention techniques.

Provide education on mental health, substance use, harm reduction, and recovery principles.

Assist i ndividuals in identifying personal strengths, setting goals, and working toward increased independence.

Work closely with clinical providers, case managers, and other team members to integrate peer support into care plans.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide a peer perspective and support shared decision-making.

Serve as a role model for recovery, demonstrating professional boundaries and ethical practice.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support interactions and services provided.

Adhere to agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and ethical guidelines.

Participate in ongoing training and supervision to enhance professional development.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None .

M inimum Qualifications:

New York State Peer Specialist Certification (NYCPS or NYCPS-P).

High school diploma or equivalent.

Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and demonstrated recovery.

Completion of a recognized Peer Specialist training and certification program (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust.

Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and uphold principles of cultural humility.

Basic computer skills, including documentation in electronic health records (EHR).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in a behavioral health or social services setting.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and person-centered recovery models.

Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken by the community.

Job Behavioral Expectations :

Maintain professional appearance, punctuality, and adherence to health and safety procedures.

Demonstrate safe and effective work performance, meeting productivity and documentation standards.

Engage in ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.

Uphold ethical guidelines and maintain appropriate boundaries with individuals served.