Peer Specialist

Center for Alternative•New York, NY

1d•$50,000 - $53,045•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is to deliver comprehensive and effective services to individuals (age 18 and up) who are diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) and whose needs have not been well met by more traditional service delivery approaches. These individuals also suffer from co-occurring substance use disorders and have histories of criminal legal system involvement. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based practice that provides an integrated set of other evidence-based treatment, rehabilitation, case management, and support services delivered by a mobile, multi-disciplinary mental health treatment team to support recipient recovery through a highly individualized approach that provides recipients with the tools to obtain and maintain housing, employment, relationships and relief from symptoms and medication side effects. The Peer Specialist is a key member of the multidisciplinary FACT team, contributing a lived-experience perspective to support client engagement, recovery, and overall stability. Working closely with clinicians and case managers, the Peer Specialist helps strengthen service planning, foster trust with clients, and support coordination of care across providers. They also play a critical role in reinforcing consistent engagement and helping clients navigate challenges in real time. Through this work, the Peer Specialist advances a recovery-oriented, person-centered approach and supports clients in building the skills and connections needed to move toward their goals.

Requirements

High school diploma
At least 2 years of work experience providing peer support to individuals with serious mental illness and criminal justice involvement
Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or eligible to obtain certification within 6 months of hire
Lived experience using mental health treatment and/or substance use treatment services
Individuals with previous criminal justice experience are eligible
Proficiency with computer and electronic health records

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a recognized peer specialist training program such as the Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Center Peer Specialist Program
Fluency in Spanish

Responsibilities

Attend and participate in daily team meetings to discuss clients’ clinical and case management issues and needs
Complete documentations required by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) licensing guidelines, NYS Medicaid billing guidelines as well as per CASES ACT Policy and Procedures
Use motivational interviewing, recovery and trauma-informed approaches when delivering peer services to address housing, income support, education and vocational training, social supports, employment, and primary care needs
Work effectively and involve ACT clients’ identified support network, as well as other service providers for service coordination
Provide individual peer support and wellness counseling, harm reduction counseling using motivational interviewing and a person-centered approach
Act as advocate and liaison for clients’ in income support and access to resources to support service plan goals
Provide 24-hour crisis intervention on-call services on rotating basis
Provide culturally competent services in accordance with CASES policies and practice