Trauma-Informed Peer Navigator

People USA; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

People USA in Poughkeepsie, NY seeks a Peer Generalist to support the Peer Navigation program, delivering trauma-informed, peer-led services to individuals in need. You will help coordinate services, advocate for participants, and maintain compliant documentation while working in a team-focused environment.

The role emphasizes self-directed task completion, crisis de-escalation, and lived experience to empower participants toward recovery, with a flexible approach to time and setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of direct support experience.
• Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles and peer support models.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery encouraged.
• Exceptional communication and boundary management.
• Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services.
• Must have a clean and valid driver’s license and own transportation.

Responsibilities

• Systemic Advocacy: accompany participants to hearings, social services appointments, and housing reviews to defend their rights.
• Rights Education: teach participants about government assistance, tenant rights, and mental health self-determination.
• Crisis Mediation: de-escalates acute situations using trauma-informed care and peer-support frameworks.
• Resource Connection: identifies non-traditional community resources when mainstream systems reject the participant.
• Empowerment Coaching: builds self-advocacy skills for independent navigation.
• Group and participant programming focused on participant-led engagement.
• Ensure the approach remains values-driven, peer-led, person-first, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered.
• Documentation, Reporting & Compliance.
• Ensure completion of accurate, timely documentation, including progress notes, reports, and program data.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies and state/regulatory standards.
• Represent the agency and program at internal meetings, community events, and collaborative workgroups.
• Assist with oversight, expansion, and continuous improvement of program operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Peer support

Crisis de-escalation

Communication skills

Case management

Advocacy

Documentation

Boundary management

ADA awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

People USA in Poughkeepsie, NY seeks a Peer Generalist to support the Peer Navigation program, delivering trauma-informed, peer-led services to individuals in need. You will help coordinate services, advocate for participants, and maintain compliant documentation while working in a team-focused environment.

The role emphasizes self-directed task completion, crisis de-escalation, and lived experience to empower participants toward recovery, with a flexible approach to time and setting.