Peer Counselor

NYU Langone Health • Brooklyn, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Counselor is a vital member of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) and Mobile Crisis Team, providing recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered peer support services to individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis. Services are delivered in accordance with New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations governing Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs (14 NYCRR Part 590) and Mobile Crisis Teams. Drawing upon lived experience of mental health recovery, the Peer Specialist engages individuals with empathy, respect, and hope, supporting stabilization, engagement in care, and connection to community-based resources. The Peer Specialist hired under this role will rotate between hospital-based CPEP services and community-based Mobile Crisis Team responses, working collaboratively with licensed clinicians and interdisciplinary team members.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• NYS certification as a Peer Specialist or an ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in psychiatric emergency services, mobile crisis or outreach programs, hospitals, or community-based behavioral health settings
• Familiarity with community resources, entitlement programs, housing systems, and behavioral health services
• Experience conducting outreach or home- or community-based visits
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates strongly preferred; proficiency in Mandarin, Cantonese, and/or Spanish is a plus
• Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to individuals presenting to CPEP or served by the Mobile Crisis Team, using lived experience to promote engagement, hope, and recovery under the supervision of licensed staff
• Respond to psychiatric crises in community settings including private residences, shelters, street outreach locations, and other public settings
• Assist individuals in navigating the psychiatric emergency system, including explaining processes, expectations, and available supports in accessible language
• Participate in de-escalation and engagement efforts consistent with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices
• Assist with discharge planning and diversion efforts by supporting individuals in identifying natural supports, community resources, and follow-up care
• Provide post-crisis follow-up support as assigned, including outreach and linkage to outpatient mental health, substance use, social service, and other supports
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members while maintaining a clear peer role distinct from clinical functions
• Rotate between CPEP and Mobile Crisis Team assignments based on program needs
• Participate in rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required
• Work 11.5-hour shifts ; scheduled for approximately 3 shifts per week, with a minimum requirement of 13 shifts per month
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, supervision, and required trainings
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital and program requirements
• Maintain compliance with hospital and program policies and procedures
• Hospital-based psychiatric emergency care and community-based fieldwork with frequent travel
• Frequent interaction with individuals in acute emotional distress and exposure to unpredictable environments
• Ability to manage high-acuity situations, respond rapidly to emergent needs, and maintain professional composure

Benefits

• financial security benefits
• a generous time-off program
• employee resources groups for peer support
• holistic employee wellness program (physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED