Peer Navigator

Housing Works • New York, NY

1d • $19 - $22

About The Position

The Peer Navigator/Specialist is a key member of the CONNECT team—a community-based behavioral health initiative that expands the reach of OMH-licensed Article 31 clinics by delivering culturally responsive, recovery-oriented services in the neighborhoods they serve. CONNECT is designed to reduce avoidable psychiatric hospitalizations by increasing access to care, challenging stigma, and co-developing services that reflect the needs and voices of the community. The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to provide one-on-one and group-based support, promote wellness, and serve as a bridge between clinical services and the broader community. This role includes two core functions: Community Engagement: Engage local residents—particularly those who are curious, ambivalent, or unsure about seeking services—by offering peer-led education, support, and linkage to care through tabling, canvassing, and outreach events. Clinical Collaboration: Reconnect individuals who are “lost to care” and support those who are transitioning out of services by encouraging continued involvement in peer-led activities and community-based wellness supports.

Requirements

• Certified NYCPS, NYCPS-P, CRPA, CRPA-P, by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board/OMH/OASAS, or eligible and willing to complete certification within 6 months of hire.
• Excellent intrapersonal skills
• Great Organizational Skills
• Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem-solving strategies to support individual clients in self-directed recovery.
• Knowledge of the Harm Reduction Model and Stages of Change.

Responsibilities

• Peer Support & Recovery-Oriented Services Use lived experience to provide person-centered, nonjudgmental support to individuals managing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Assist individuals in setting self-directed recovery goals and accessing clinical, social, and community-based resources.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups, psychoeducational workshops, or wellness-focused gatherings.
• Offer system navigation, motivation, and emotional support to reduce barriers to care.
• Community Engagement (in collaboration with the Community Liaison) Participate in tabling, canvassing, and local events to connect with community members, share information about CONNECT, and reduce stigma around mental health.
• Provide education, support, and linkage to care for individuals who inquire about services through community channels.
• Serve as a visible and relatable presence in the neighborhood to promote mental health awareness and trust.
• Help inform service development by communicating feedback and observed needs from the community.
• Outreach to Lost-to-Care Clients (in collaboration with the clinical team) Conduct outreach to re-engage individuals who have previously received services but are now disengaged, particularly those at higher risk.
• Use motivational support and peer experience to encourage re-connection to care.
• Coordinate with case managers and therapists to support client-centered re-entry into services and care planning.
• Support Engagement Across the Continuum of Care Maintain peer support relationships with individuals who have completed formal service plans to promote sustained wellness and connection.
• Encourage continued participation in peer-led and community wellness activities post-treatment.
• Engage individuals who are ambivalent or hesitant about accessing care, creating safe and affirming opportunities for dialogue and support.
• Teamwork, Documentation & Ethics Collaborate with therapists, case managers, and the Community Liaison to ensure wraparound, trauma-informed support.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all peer encounters, outreach activities, and service linkages.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, training, and reflective supervision.
• Uphold professional boundaries, confidentiality, and peer support ethics in all interactions.

Benefits

• We have three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary.
• Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• We offer employees an educational benefit. This money is available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and text books.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed