Peer Specialist

Services for the Underserved•Brooklyn, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

S:US is seeking a Peer Specialist for their men's shelter in Brooklyn. This position is located at Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233. The Peer Specialist will be responsible for outreach, engagement, bridge building, relationship building, embracing creative narratives, advocacy, co-creating support and wellness tools, influencing team culture, and team communication. This role involves actively participating in the team to help build an environment that operates from a belief in human potential and an understanding of human diversity.

Requirements

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
One year work experience in a shelter or related setting, preferably using the recovery model
Must have lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully
Ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery

Nice To Haves

Peer Certification preferred
A respect for, and high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis preferred
Exceptional written and oral communication skills including empathic listening, responding preferred
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Facilitate engagement with teams by forging strong connections with participants and families.
Undertake outreach activities designed to promote community awareness of S:US services.
Encourage help-seeking behaviors.
Serve as a bridge between team members and participants when they experience ambivalence about treatment.
Develop authentic, meaningful relationships with individuals and families through empathy, sharing experiences, listening, and collaborating with genuine curiosity and interest.
Understand, share, and discuss multiple frameworks for understanding life experiences such as psychosis with participants and the rest of the S:US team.
Intentionally use language in the service of listening to understand and making space for complex personal stories of recovery and resilience.
Advocate with and for program participants both in the larger community and on the team.
Collaborate with participants to clarify their personal visions and develop their wellness toolkit.
Support participants in strengthening their self-awareness, building life skills, and connecting to resources and community outside of the S:US team.
Positively influence the team culture by advocating for clients, promoting a youth-friendly approach, and encouraging the use of recovery-oriented language.
Help build an environment that operates from a belief in the human potential to grow and an understanding of human diversity.
Maintain open and frequent communication with the team.
Report safety and other concerns to the team.
Keep notes on visits with program participants as required by the provider agency.
Co-collaborate on reporting with the program participant.