Peer Specialist

Reports to:   Director, Access and Care

Job Summary: The Peer role is critical in providing peer support, engaging individuals in need, and enhancing the interventions provided by the SOS program. Peers work collaboratively with SOS teams, offering their unique perspective and lived experience. They actively participate in outreach efforts to engage individuals in need and conduct group sessions at the two THU units. By sharing their lived experiences, facilitating group sessions, participating in case conferences, and documenting their interactions, Peers contribute to the program’s goal of promoting recovery, resilience, and overall well-being for program members.

Education Requirements:

• Lived experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use recovery is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent qualification. Additional certifications or training in peer support or related fields is a plus.

Experience Requirements:

• At least 2 years of previous experience in the role as a peer.
• Experience serving persons with chronic health conditions and/or people experiencing homelessness and have a passion community-based service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Peer Support and Engagement:

• Collaborate with SOS teams to provide peer support to individuals experiencing homelessness or in need of support services.
• Utilize personal lived experiences to establish rapport, empathize, and connect with members, fostering a sense of trust and understanding.
• Actively engage members through outreach efforts, providing information about available resources and assisting in their access to services.
• Attend community events, support groups, and other relevant gatherings to connect with individuals and promote the SOS program.
• Answer the SOS On Call line to provide information about SOS and triage potential referrals.

Group Session Facilitation:

• Conduct group sessions at the two THU (Transitional Housing Unit) locations, facilitating discussions and activities that promote personal growth, recovery, and well-being.
• Develop and implement group session curriculum and materials, ensuring they align with program goals and member needs.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment within group sessions, encouraging active participation and peer-to-peer support.

Case Conference Participation:

• Attend case conferences with SOS teams to contribute insights and perspectives based on personal experiences and knowledge.
• Share feedback and suggestions for individual care plans, interventions, and service coordination, enriching the holistic care provided to program participants.
• Collaborate with team members to identify opportunities for peer support and the integration of peer services within the overall program model.
• Participate in marketing activities for the program including presenting to key stakeholders;

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support interactions, group sessions, and other program-related activities.
• Complete required forms, reports, and documentation in accordance with program guidelines and confidentiality protocols.
• Provide input for program evaluation and quality improvement efforts, sharing observations and suggestions based on peer experiences.

Professional Development and Collaboration:

• Offer training, professional development opportunities, and facilitate learning collaboratives to enhance staff knowledge and skills related to peer support.
• Participate in regular team meetings, case discussions, and supervision sessions, actively contributing to the collaborative work environment.
• Collaborate with program staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote peer support services and foster community partnerships.
• Foster relationships with hospital systems to ensure people experiencing homelessness and/or chronic behavioral health conditions are referred to care teams for ongoing community support;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain supportive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to actively listen, empathize, and provide non-judgmental support.
• Knowledge of local resources, services, and systems related to homelessness, mental health, and substance use.
• Familiarity with group facilitation techniques and the ability to create a safe and engaging group environment.
• A gifted relationship-builder who is energized by others, eager to make connections between like-minded people, and able to quickly develop a strong rapport with both individuals and large groups.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively within a team and engage in constructive communication and problem-solving.
• Familiarity of use of standard office equipment.
• Highly organized, with an ability to prioritize time-sensitive assignments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and willingness to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Enthusiastic, independent, flexible, and team-oriented
• Willing to wear many hats and always have an ear to the ground on issues and trends that are surfacing

This position may require some travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• How to Apply: send resume to [email protected]  with email heading PEER SPECIALIST.

Because of the volume of applications CBC receives, only candidates who will be scheduled for interviews will be contacted.