Peer Diversion Specialist
About The Position
The Peer Diversion Specialist provides compassionate outreach, advocacy, and recovery-oriented peer support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, substance use concerns, or social isolation. This role focuses on helping individuals remain connected to community-based supports, reduce crises, and build recovery plans that promote independence, wellness, and self-determination. The Peer Diversion Specialist works closely with hospitals, mobile crisis teams, law enforcement, and community organizations to support individuals during vulnerable moments and provide follow-up care that encourages long-term stability and recovery.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, or other life challenges and a desire to use those experiences to support others
- A compassionate, empathetic, and recovery-oriented approach to peer support
- The ability to build trust and meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about behavioral health systems, peer support models, and community resources
- A willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Nice To Haves
- Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential or willingness to obtain certification
- NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification
- Two years of peer support, advocacy, outreach, or related experience
- Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills or American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency
- Familiarity with local behavioral health, housing, and disability-related resources
Responsibilities
- Connect with individuals in the community who are experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, or lack of support, offering encouragement, advocacy, and practical assistance during difficult times
- Provide peer-to-peer support and recovery-focused encouragement to individuals during times of vulnerability to help prevent crises and unnecessary hospitalizations
- Collaborate with hospitals, mobile mental health teams, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to coordinate support services and strengthen community-based care
- Conduct follow-up outreach with individuals referred by hospitals, emergency responders, and community programs to provide wellness planning, peer counseling, advocacy, and referrals to community resources
- Support individuals in developing psychiatric advance directives and other recovery-oriented wellness plans that reflect their goals and preferences for care
- Serve as a mentor and advocate by helping individuals protect their rights, access services, resolve barriers, and strengthen self-advocacy skills
- Identify and communicate community needs and service gaps to program leadership to support ongoing program improvement and responsiveness
- Maintain accurate documentation and actively participate in trainings, supervision, and team meetings
Benefits
- Paid holidays from the first day of employment
- Paid lunch break
- Paid time off
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, Dental and Vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
- Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
