Peer Specialist

sus.com; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to enhance the wellbeing of individuals in shelters. This role focuses on providing peer support, facilitating access to clinical services, and promoting harm reduction strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in recovery advocacy, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to improving health outcomes for at-risk populations. Join a compassionate team that values integrity and continuous improvement, making a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Understanding of community resources and personal recovery experience.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to empathize with participants.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer services on-site to individuals at risk of harm.
• Coordinate treatment and assist with referrals to necessary services.
• Document and report services delivered.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Empathy

Crisis Intervention

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

Job description

Min

USD $45,000.00/Hr.

Max

USD $50,000.00/Hr.

Position Overview

I. SCOPE OF ROLE: The Peer Specialist facilitates engagement with shelters to reduce adverse substance use incidents in shelters (accidents, altercations, emergency services, and overdoses) to improve client health and housing outcomes by providing and connecting at-risk individuals to clinical services and peer supports.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide peer services on-site to people living in the shelter that are at risk of harm from drugs and alcohol.
2. Provide recovery support services to individuals identified as at risk.
3. Coordinate treatment and transitional planning as needed.
4. Provide harm reduction education and awareness to shelter staff and clients regularly: presentations, office hours, signage, etc.
5. Work collaboratively to encourage and support individuals identified as at risk.
6. Collaborate to meet project deliverables and achieve overall project goals.
7. Assist with making referrals to harm reduction, substance use, primary care, mental health care, pain management, or other services as needed.
8. Support linkage to care, return to care, and retention in care.
9. Accompany clients to appointments and support access to tele-health services.
10. Support treatment adherence (reminders, check-ins, etc.).
11. Assist with discharge and transition planning.
12. Document and report services delivered (in CARES).
13. Participate in Community of Practice and Learning initiatives citywide (facilitated by DHS and OASAS).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Understanding and sharing multiple frameworks for understanding life experiences, such as psychosis, using language that fosters listening and understanding.
• Advocating with and for program participants within the community and the team.
• Collaborating with participants to develop their wellness toolkit, strengthen self-awareness, build life skills, and connect to resources and community outside of the team.
• Maintaining open and frequent communication with the team, reporting safety concerns, and documenting visits, with co-collaboration encouraged.

Qualifications

III. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Provisional or Certified.
• Understanding of the community and available resources.
• Personal positive progress in recovery.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to empathize and relate to participants.
• Willingness to disclose personal recovery story where appropriate.
• Ability to understand boundaries and exercise good judgment.
• Availability for on-call crisis intervention via cell phone.
• Community fieldwork required; driving is not required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.

Company Overview

Join a team that cares about wellbeing, built on respect, integrity, support, potential, and continuous improvement.

S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to accessibility and reasonable accommodations. Contact [e-mail] for accommodations.

ID

2025-16967