Peer Support Specialist

Greater Mental Health of New York•White Plains, NY

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist works with adults engaged in Greater Mental Health of New York’s Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (INSET), a mobile, community-based program serving people with histories of acute distress, frequent hospitalizations, or ineffective past care. The program is peer-led and person-first, prioritizing immediate needs, social and family connections, and care coordination without traditional time or location constraints. The specialist provides direct outreach and support, helping participants pursue their identified goals and aspirations individually and within groups or communities they choose. The role connects participants with professional, recovery, peer, family, and natural supports, while honoring self-determination, choice, shared decision-making, and collaboration. The position is primarily based in White Plains and/or Rockland, New York, and is mobile, with travel to additional service areas in Putnam, Orange, and Sullivan counties as needed. The full-time schedule is 35 hours per week and may include two evenings per week and weekends when requested. Flexibility is required, and hours, reporting structure, and location may change according to program needs. After-hours emergency coverage and crisis intervention are required as needed. This is a mandated reporter position.

Requirements

New York Peer Specialist certification, or eligibility to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Two years of related work experience; mobile engagement experience is preferred.
Basic computer knowledge, including typing and use of communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems.
Fluency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Valid driver’s license, a driving record satisfactory to the agency’s insurance carrier, and compliance with the agency driver policy.
At least three years of holding a valid driver’s license and no more than six points on the driving record.
Agency drivers must be at least 21 years of age.
Obtain and maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
Obtain and maintain required regulatory clearances.
Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Ability to be flexible with work hours due to the mobile nature of the program.
Understanding of recovery for people who are psychiatrically labeled and awareness of community resources, supports, and systems.
Knowledge of behavioral diagnoses and symptomatology.
Effective client engagement skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Proficiency with Electronic Health Record systems.
Ability to practice using a recovery-oriented, person-centered methodology.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mobile engagement techniques.
Additional credentials such as CRPA, FPA, or YPA for a New York Certified Peer Specialist.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of participants consistent with industry standards, regulatory expectations, and the needs of the population.
Provide individual peer support using a flexible, person-first, and trauma-informed framework.
Conduct regular community outreach to engage people who may not historically engage with the mental health system.
Facilitate connections to services and community resources.
Schedule and co-facilitate networking and support groups as requested by participants.
Support participants transitioning from respite, emergency rooms, periods of incarceration, and similar settings.
Use strengths-based, person-first tools to help participants plan goals; Advanced Directives and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) are encouraged.
Follow agency policies and maintain professional standards.
Prepare required reports and documentation.
Provide after-hours emergency coverage and crisis intervention as needed.
Adhere to standards established by regulatory authorities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after one year of service.
Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options, subject to business needs.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
15 days of paid time off per year.
12 days of paid sick time per year.
11 employer-paid holidays per year.
Opportunities for advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
Free employee assistance program services.
Employee discounts on travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, auto, shopping, and more.
Gym reimbursement through the employer’s medical insurance carrier.
Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.