Peer Specialist

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off policy

Health benefits including medical, dental, vision

Retirement matching programs

Transit and commuter benefits

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey seeks a Peer Specialist to provide support within a PROS program. The role includes managing a caseload, leading recovery groups, and advocating for participants' needs. The ideal candidate will be a graduate of a Peer Specialist training program and possess the necessary credentialing.

Responsibilities include facilitating community activities and collaborating with providers. Generous benefits include health coverage and a robust time-off policy. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Qualifications

• Must possess graduation from a Peer Specialist training program.
• Credentialing through the Academy of Peer Services is mandatory.
• Preferred experience with mental health and substance use.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of up to 5 participants.
• Assist with the daily operation of the PROS program.
• Lead and/or co-lead groups and activities.

Skills

Case management

Advocacy

Peer support

Basic computer skills

Communication skills

Spanish speaking

Education

Graduation from Peer Specialist training program

Credentialing through Academy of Peer Services

Job description

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.

The Peer Specialist working within a PROS program provides Peer Supports, person-centered and recovery-oriented services to the PROS community. The Peer Specialist leads and/or co-leads groups and activities within the PROS community in support of the recovery & rehabilitation model related to the treatment of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness in a person-centered, recovery-oriented environment. This will be carried out as indicated by NYS OMH Part 512 Regulations and Medicaid requirements.

The Awesome Things You’ll Do

• Manage a caseload of up to 5 participants, including case management, collateral contacts, referrals, vocational assistance, and other needs, to coordinate services.
• Assist with the daily operation of the PROS program as needed.
• Foster an atmosphere of congeniality that facilitates implementation and sustaining the basic philosophy of the PROS program and provide strength-based recovery oriented services.
• Lead and/or co-lead groups and activities as assigned, including community exploration trips and special events. Document participant attendance when needed.
• Share personal experiences to engender a sense of hope and recovery within the program.
• Collaborate and consult with staff, other providers and identified collaterals (family/friends) to ensure coordination of service.
• Assist participants with entitlements and concrete services; act as an advocate on participant’s behalf.
• Attend and participate in weekly supervision, weekly staff meetings, and periodic in-service trainings.
• Present issues/cases for review at Clinical Team Meetings and PROS Administrative Meeting.
• Attain and maintain competency in Wellness Self-Management and other evidence-based practices as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Activities are subject to change / be added to meet business needs with management approval.

Our Must Haves

• Graduation from a Peer Specialist training program.
• Credentialing through the Academy of Peer Services mandatory.
• Spanish speaking a plus.
• Experience with mental health/substance use preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Must be able to maintain appropriate boundaries with participants and utilize supervision to address conflicts.

Special Working Conditions

• Field work may be necessary, e.g., escorting participants to appointments for benefits, medical, etc. Must be able to utilize public transportation for travel and climb stairs.

What We Offer

• Generous time off policy to use when you need it.
• Health, wellness and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals.
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company-sponsored life insurance.
• Retirement matching programs and contributions.
• Transit and commuter benefits.

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.