Peer Wellness Specialist

HousingPlus•New York, NY

2d•$40,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

HousingPlus is seeking a full-time Peer Wellness Specialist for its Justice Works program. The position works across Liberty House, Providence House, and Hour Children, reporting to the Senior Director - Justice Works. Using a peer-centered, strengths-based approach, the specialist supports participants navigating reentry and transitional housing and working toward stability and independence. As Justice Works adopts SAMHSA's Eight Dimensions of Wellness, the role focuses particularly on Social Wellness, helping participants build relationships, natural supports, community connections, and a sense of belonging. The specialist collaborates with provider staff on wellness-focused groups, activities, outings, and community engagement, and provides individualized peer support, resource navigation, accompaniment, and practical assistance. Regular travel across provider locations and community locations is expected. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday and includes Thursdays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM; some weekend availability is required based on program needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Ability to engage and build rapport with individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, homelessness, trauma, behavioral health needs, and other barriers to stability.
Understanding of peer support principles and the appropriate professional use of lived experience.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with staff across multiple organizations and program sites.
Ability to facilitate groups and engage participants in wellness-focused activities.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic client-record systems, and ability to learn and document services in AWARDS.
Ability to travel regularly among Justice Works provider locations and within the community.
Flexibility to work one scheduled evening per week and some weekends based on program needs.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with the criminal justice system, incarceration, reentry, homelessness, or other experiences relevant to the population served.
Experience working with individuals impacted by incarceration, reentry, homelessness, behavioral health needs, or related social-service systems.
Peer certification or recognized peer-support credential.
Experience facilitating peer groups, wellness activities, or community engagement.

Responsibilities

Provide peer support and engagement to Justice Works participants across Liberty House, Providence House, and Hour Children.
Use shared experience, when appropriate, to support participant hope, self-advocacy, community reintegration, and progress toward individual goals.
Promote Social Wellness by encouraging healthy relationships, natural supports, community connection, and meaningful participation.
Collaborate with provider staff to support peer groups, wellness discussions, workshops, activities, outings, and community events.
Provide individualized support with community resources, benefits, services, vital documents, applications, and other systems as appropriate.
Accompany participants to appointments, community resources, activities, and other service-related engagements when appropriate.
Identify participant needs or barriers and communicate relevant concerns to provider staff and Justice Works leadership for appropriate follow-up.
Document participant contacts, interventions, and progress notes in AWARDS accurately and within required timeframes.
Maintain participant confidentiality, professional boundaries, and respect for individual choices, goals, experiences, and stages of change.
Participate in supervision, team and provider meetings, case conferences, trainings, and other meetings as required.
Maintain a regular presence across all three Justice Works provider locations and participate in evening and weekend programming or events as scheduled.
Perform other duties as assigned.