Peer Specialist

Options for Community Living, Inc.; Town of Hempstead (NY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on Bonus

Generous PTO

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition Assistance

Paid Training

Job summary

Options for Community Living, Inc. is hiring an Empowerment Specialist (Peer Specialist) to work in Hempstead, NY. The role focuses on supporting individuals with serious mental illness by providing coaching, encouragement in self-advocacy, and assistance in managing their recovery journey.

The position requires interpersonal skills and an OMH-endorsed Peer Credential. Benefits include a sign-on bonus, generous PTO, and training support.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and comprehend program materials (8th Grade Reading Level or higher).
• 1 year of active participation in mental health self-help activities or peer support programs.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Coach and encourage tenants in self-advocacy and self-management.
• Provide contact and monitoring of tenant progress.
• Accompany tenants on clinical and supportive service appointments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of local services

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

OMH-endorsed Peer Credential

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Options for Community Living, Inc. is committed to helping Long Island’s most vulnerable families and individuals live healthier, more stable, and productive lives. In 1982, Options was established to respond to the need for housing in the community for people with serious mental illness. Today, Options serves over 2,000 adults and children annually and manages more than 160 residential properties across Long Island.

Benefits

• Sign-on Bonus: $500*
• Generous PTO: Wellness, Vacation and Sick time
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Initiatives
• Paid Training & On-the-Job Training
• Promotional Opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement

Position

Title: Empowerment Specialist (Peer Specialist)

Location: In person based out of our Hempstead office, with field visits required.

Pay Type: Non-exempt

Salary

Salary Range: $18.00/hour - $22.00/hour

Note: The salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of potential compensation at the time of posting and may be modified in the future. Several factors may be considered when determining a salary offer (e.g., years of relevant experience, education level, language skillset, credentials, professional licensure, budget, and internal equity).

Schedule

Schedule: 17.5 - 21 hours/week

Responsibilities

• Coach and encourage tenants in self-advocacy and self-management.
• Provide frequent contact and monitoring of progress.
• Accompany tenants on clinical and supportive service appointments.
• Assist case managers during some client interventions.
• Participate in case conferences.
• Assist with maintenance of binder/client files.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and comprehend program materials (8th Grade Reading Level or higher).
• Must have adequate interpersonal skills to motivate and assist others.
• Must be able to communicate knowledgeably about local services and systems of care.
• Should be reflective of the population being served with 1 year of active participation in mental health self-help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs or recipient‑run organizations or similar programs.
• Must hold an OMH-endorsed Peer Credential (Youth Peer Advocate Credential: YPA-C or New York Certified Peer Specialist Certification: NYCPS).
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, valid auto insurance and access to a vehicle required.