Peer Generalist

People USA•Poughkeepsie, NY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

People USA is hiring a full-time Peer Generalist to support the Peer Navigation program serving Dutchess and Ulster Counties. The program provides site-based, community-based, flexible, and sustained interventions for people who have experienced acute distress, repeated emergency room visits or hospitalizations, and for whom traditional care programs have been ineffective. The program uses a peer-led, person-first, trauma-informed approach focused on addressing immediate needs, building trust, and strengthening family and social networks to support long-term recovery. The Peer Generalist provides relationship-centered, participant-driven services and acts as a resource and advocate for participants. The role coordinates integration of services with other programs, maintains compliance with program requirements, and supports a healthy, collaborative team environment. It calls for self-direction, sound decision-making, crisis de-escalation skills, and lived experience used to foster self-advocacy and help participants navigate systems. The Peer Generalist is committed to peer values and flexible care coordination without traditional limits on time or setting. This position is based in Poughkeepsie, New York, and is scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A standardized alternative schedule may be discussed within general typical work hours. The position reports to the Director of Peer Navigation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses, or in case management work.
Obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within six months of hire through the People USA system.
Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches.
Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services.
Exceptional communication and boundary-management skills.
Familiarity with the ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services.
Clean and valid driver's license and own transportation.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
At least two years of advocacy experience.
Lived experience and comfort with appropriate self-disclosure.
Experience working within non-traditional service models or with individuals who frequently use crisis services.
Experience facilitating support groups, networking groups, or family-engagement meetings.
Familiarity with local behavioral health resources, social services, and community supports.

Responsibilities

Accompany participants to hearings, social services appointments, and housing reviews to advocate for their rights.
Teach participants about government assistance, tenant rights, and mental health self-determination.
De-escalate acute situations using trauma-informed care and peer-support frameworks.
Identify non-traditional community resources when mainstream systems do not meet a participant’s needs.
Build participants’ self-advocacy skills so they can navigate systems independently.
Support group and participant programming focused on participant-led engagement.
Ensure services remain values-driven, peer-led, person-first, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered.
Complete accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, reports, and program data.
Maintain compliance with agency policies and state and 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.