Peer Advocate/Employment Specialist

People USA•Poughkeepsie, NY

23d•$25 - $25

About The Position

The Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist provides integrated peer support and employment services to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and/or disabilities. Drawing on lived experience and professional training, this role promotes personal empowerment, recovery, and successful employment outcomes. Services are person-centered, strengths-based, and delivered across various community settings such as homes, hospitals, shelters, libraries, job sites, and peer-run spaces.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in health or human services + 1 year of direct service experience
Associate Degree or 60 college credits + 2 years of experience
High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses
Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire
Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services
Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge of ASL
Completion of Academy of Peer Services training
At least 2 years of advocacy experience

Responsibilities

Maintain regular, meaningful contact with participants (minimum: 1 face-to-face and 2 indirect contacts monthly).
Facilitate recovery groups and participate in community engagement activities (e.g., Nights Out, Mixers).
Educate participants on wellness and recovery topics, including: o Peer/Self-help Resources oTrauma & Healing o Recovery from Mental Health Challenges o SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness o WRAP and wellness planning o Natural and community-based support systems
Identify and help participants overcome barriers such as stigma, lack of access to care, or unmet basic needs.
Build peer relationships rooted in mutuality, empathy, and lived experience.
Directly connects individuals to services and support (not just through referrals).
Advocate side-by-side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected.
Advocate side-by-side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected.
Document all meaningful interactions using electronic health record systems.
Submit required monthly reports and attend regional or team meetings.
Provide individualized job coaching and employment support based on participants’ employment goals or IEPs.
Assist with: o Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews) o Job orientation and transportation planning o On-the-job support and skill development o Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors o Navigating workplace adjustments and integration o Addressing barriers to employment retention
Build and maintain relationships with local employers, housing providers, and community resources.
Support participants in accessing public resources and entitlements relevant to employment.