Peer Specialist - RUMC

BALTIC STREET AEA INC.•New York, NY

26d

About The Position

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, in collaboration with Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is seeking Peer Specialists to provide recovery-focused support in emergency and community settings to individuals in acute behavioral crisis. Working within RUMC’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) and Mobile Crisis Program, Peer Specialists use their lived experience with mental health recovery to engage individuals in crisis, foster hope, and connect them to community resources. This role requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to build trust in high-intensity environments. Peer Specialists will collaborate with clinical teams, support self-advocacy, and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and person-centered care.

Requirements

Must be a current New York State Certified Peer Specialist.
Two years of related work experience, preferably in mobile engagement and crisis response.
Lived experience with mental health recovery and a demonstrated ability to use this experience to support others.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrable familiarity with the use of Microsoft Office
Ability to commute independently in keeping with the requirements of the mobile crisis program
Familiarity with entitlement systems (SNAP, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, HRA).
Knowledge of SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
COVID-19 vaccination required or documentation of medical/religious exemption.
Approved background check required prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with electronic health records is preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage with individuals primarily in community settings (Mobile Crisis Program) and the CPEP with compassionate peer support, based on lived experience with mental health recovery.
Participate in initial assessments and engage with patients and families to build trust and foster recovery-oriented relationships.
Identify and facilitate access to resources including entitlements, housing, benefits, and Baltic Street programs.
Provide individual peer support using a trauma-informed, person-first approach.
Facilitate peer-led support groups, wellness activities, and psychoeducational workshops that promote recovery and self-advocacy.
Collaborate with participants to develop personalized recovery plans, including Advance Directives and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP).
Act as a liaison between participants and their treatment teams, ensuring care is coordinated, non-coercive, and culturally responsive.
Develop community asset-based mapping to help participants identify and utilize local supports.
Support participants with community integration and transitions from respite centers, emergency rooms, hospitals.
Use harm-reduction strategies and crisis de-escalation techniques to support participants experiencing distress.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all participant interactions, recovery plans, and referrals.
Conduct chart reviews and maintain participant records in compliance with program standards.
Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, supervision sessions, ongoing peer support training to uphold professional standards and administrative meetings to share insights and improve care approaches.
Obtain participant consent in accordance with existing consent policy at RUMC before initiating services, in accordance with privacy laws and internal policies.
Coordinate with clinical teams and support integrated care planning.
Submit engagement reports to Senior Peer Specialist including metrics on new and ongoing participant contacts.
Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA and all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies.
Safeguard participant records and comply strictly with non-disclosure responsibility regarding participant’s personal health information without proper consent.
Participate in RUMC-led crisis intervention and other training programs as required.
Follow all RUMC policies and standards for professional conduct.