Peer Specialist- Homeless Services

Services For The Underserved, Inc.•New York, NY

2d•$45,000 - $50,253•Onsite

About The Position

S:US is seeking a Peer Specialist for its men's shelter in Brooklyn, located at Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233. The Peer Specialist builds connections with participants and families, supports engagement with teams and services, and helps participants develop recovery-oriented wellness tools. The role also includes advocacy, team communication, documentation, and promoting a supportive, recovery-oriented team culture.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least one year of work experience in a shelter or related setting, preferably using the recovery model.
Lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully.
Ability to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills to help create and maintain an environment that promotes recovery.

Nice To Haves

Peer Certification preferred.
Respect for and comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis preferred.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including empathic listening and responding, preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Help facilitate engagement with teams by building strong connections with participants and families; conduct outreach to promote awareness of S:US services and encourage help-seeking; and sometimes bridge communication between team members and participants who are ambivalent about treatment.
Develop authentic, meaningful relationships with individuals and families through empathy, sharing experiences, listening, and collaboration.
Understand, share, and discuss multiple frameworks for understanding life experiences, including psychosis; use language to listen, understand, and make space for personal stories of recovery and resilience.
Advocate with and for program participants in the community and on the team.
Collaborate with participants to clarify their visions and develop wellness tools; support self-awareness, life skills, and connections to resources and community outside the S:US team.
Promote a positive team culture by advocating for clients, encouraging a youth-friendly approach and recovery-oriented language, and helping build an environment that supports human potential and diversity.
Maintain open and frequent communication with the team, report safety and other concerns, and keep required notes on participant visits; co-collaborate with participants on reporting when appropriate.