Peer Recovery Specialist
About The Position
The Recovery Peer Specialist (RPS) serves as a role model by demonstrating personal recovery and effective coping skills. The RPS provides advocacy, peer support, and access to resources for tenants enrolled in The Fortune Society’s OASAS-funded Transitional Safety Unit, particularly justice-impacted tenants managing substance use disorders. Working with the TSU team, the RPS also assists clients in securing permanent supportive housing after they achieve stability within a 6–12-month period. The role calls for a compassionate, resourceful, and engaging team member who understands the organization’s mission and can connect participants with wellness and recovery resources. The specialist provides non-clinical support, helps tenants navigate treatment and recovery services, and builds relationships with community organizations and service providers. The position is full-time, regular, non-exempt, and represented by OPEIU Local 153. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Castle Gardens location in West Harlem. The role requires travel throughout New York City’s five boroughs, including escorting clients via public transportation and van.
Requirements
- Certification as a Certified Recovery Specialist.
- At least two years of experience working as a Peer Specialist or in a similar role.
- High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
- Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs to escort clients to appointments via public transportation; travel may also be by van.
- Ability to assist tenants with education about their individualized treatment goals.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and promote HIPAA compliance.
- Ability to receive feedback and supervision for professional development.
- Knowledge of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed techniques.
- Ability to identify and build on each individual tenant’s strengths.
- Ability to partner and network with other agencies to help ensure tenants receive services conducive to their overall wellbeing.
- Ability to work with tenants from varied backgrounds, including people who may have mental health disorders and substance use challenges.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact culturally, linguistically, and diplomatically with diverse internal and external individuals.
Nice To Haves
- Written and verbal proficiency in Spanish.
- Personal experience successfully transitioning from incarceration and/or substance abuse into a stable, productive lifestyle in the community.
Responsibilities
- Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially following periods of hospitalization or incarceration.
- Build meaningful, relationship-oriented connections that foster trust, confidence, authenticity, and self-efficacy through shared experience.
- Support individuals in defining and directing their treatment and recovery plans by providing guidance, structure, encouragement, and navigation assistance in collaboration with peer support and the clinical team.
- Engage individuals responsively during critical points of vulnerability and throughout the stages of recovery.
- Support individuals in re-engaging with appropriate services and supports following a recurrence of substance use.
- Assist clients with attending treatment appointments and accessing healthcare services.
- Assist in developing individualized treatment and recovery plans.
- Accompany clients to court appearances, medical appointments, and other necessary appointments as needed.
- Connect clients to formal recovery supports that promote ongoing stability and wellness.
- Provide travel training to help clients use public transportation independently.
- Educate and support clients regarding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as part of recovery.
- Assemble clients’ clinical charts and ensure progress notes and other vital information are accurately filed and maintained.
- Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, social service providers, and support networks.
- Assist tenants in securing permanent supportive housing in collaboration with the TSU team after they achieve stability.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
