Peer Specialist ND - 00291 - (CYP007) Sat-Sun 8am-4pm, Mon-Wed 12pm-8pm

WellLife Network; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

WellLife Network in Cypress, NY is seeking a Peer Specialist to provide direct mental health services within rehabilitation and recovery programs. You will support individuals in developing self-help skills, coping strategies, and hopeful paths toward recovery.

You may work at residences and day programs, travel between sites, and document interactions in accordance with program standards while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication with mental health service recipients.
• Life experience with mental health or substance use history desirable.
• Two years active participation in peer support or related programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach skills to individuals and groups.
• Advocate for recipients and negotiate with service providers.
• Travel to and from different sites to assist with training and transportation.
• Engage and empathize with consumers based on common experiences.
• Document all consumer interactions and report incidents within 24 hours.

Skills

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Coping skills

Travel coordination

Education

High School diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Job Location: Cypress - Ridgewood, NY 11385

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $22.03 - $22.03 Hourly

Position Summary

The Peer Specialist will provide direct mental health services to recipients participating in rehabilitation and recovery services within WellLife Network. The Peer Specialist will perform a range of tasks which are designed to assist recipients in regaining personal control over their lives and over their own recovery processes. These tasks focus on facilitating the development of self-help skills, support systems, coping strategies, and increased hope and self-esteem that are central to recovery from a psychiatric disability. Peer Specialists model competence and the possibility of recovery. This position may have supervised / unsupervised contact and or conversational interaction with consumers while working in the residences, day treatments and habilitation facilities.

Essential Accountabilities

• Teach skills to individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of various psychiatric disabilities.
• Advocate for recipients and negotiate with service providers.
• Travel to and from different sites and assist recipients with traveling training.
• Verbally engage and empathize with consumers based on common experiences.
• Assist consumers in identifying community supports and facilitating linkages.
• Assist consumers in planning and coordination of recreational/social activities. At times this may require escorting clients to these activities and/or participate in moderate physical activities as part of this task.
• Participate in activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
• Represent the agency at meetings, trainings not otherwise specified.
• Ability to work flexible schedule as work schedule and locations are subject to change.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Responsible for reporting and documentation of all incidents, utilizing the chain of command, within 24 hours.
• Communicate information with all staff and supervisors verbally and in writing for the purpose of giving instruction, providing feedback and adjusting work practices.
• Responsible to document all consumer interaction in accordance with program standards.
• Participate in the development of treatment goals.
• Conduct field based visits. The ACT Program provides 85% of their services in the community.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the program coordinator or team leader.

About WellLife Network

WellLife Network is one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit human services organizations, serving more than 25,000 individuals each year. Our work spans behavioral health, developmental disabilities, addiction recovery, housing, employment, and family support. We believe every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive—and we reflect that in everything we do.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with recipients of mental health services.
• Life experience with mental health or substance abuse history.
• Two years of active participation in mental health self‑help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or recipient run organizations or similar experiences or programs.
• High school diploma or GED preferred, not required.
• Drivers license a plus.