Peer Bridger - South Beach Bridger Program

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Statement:

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is committed to providing peer recovery, person-centered, trauma informed, and compassionate services to those with mental health lived experience.

Vision:

Our vision is to drive a cultural transformation within the mental health community by advocating for the underserved, educating for change, and inspiring wellness. We approach our role with cultural humility and mindfulness of oppressive systems.

Our Core Values:

• We value a mentoring philosophy delivered from staff with peer lived experiences.
• We value the recovery journey of every individual with a mental health diagnosis.
• We value the personal and professional experiences of our staff and board members.
• We value community action to change societal views to break the stigma of mental health through advocacy within all systems.
• We value everyone's desire to have opportunities to obtain their visions of wellness.

Qualifications:

Peer Bridger candidates are current or former recipients of mental health services. Must have good office skills. Experience or training in Peer Advocacy is also required as well as basic knowledge of Self-Help Techniques and the ability to be patient and supportive with consumers. A knowledge of Community Mental Health Systems is a plus. Basic phone and computer skills are needed.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• APS (Academy of Peer Services) certification or submission of application for certification within 6 months of hire
• Peer Bridger candidates must have been current or former recipients of mental health services.
• Some experience or training in Peer Advocacy is also required as well as basic knowledge of Self-Help Techniques and the ability to be patient and supportive with consumers
• Knowledge of the Community Mental Health System is a plus
• Internet Savvy with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Also, applicants must have the ability to complete the required paperwork

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Direct Services

• Outreach & Community Engagement
  • Conduct street outreach, community canvassing, and in-person engagement in shelters, hospitals, crisis centers, adult homes, and other public spaces.
  • Must be willing to travel to all five (5) boroughs.
  • Participate in community events, tabling, presentations, and partnerships to raise awareness about peer-led services.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, service providers, and stakeholder groups.
  • Provide information on available community resources, such as housing support, benefits, healthcare, and recovery programs.
  • Facilitate warm hand-offs to ensure smooth transitions into community-based programs or support.
  • Promote recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches across all interactions.
  • Small caseload

Documentation & Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach activities and community engagement.
• Complete outreach logs, follow-ups, and other required reporting using agency-approved systems.
• Attend staff meetings, case discussions, supervision sessions, and required training.
• Administrative support for Program Manager

Teamwork & Professional Development

• Collaborate with program staff and external partners to support coordinated care.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and required peer support certification training.
• Contribute to a supportive, respectful, and recovery-focused team environment.

Qualifications 

• Lived personal experience with mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, homelessness, or related experiences.
• Willingness to share lived experience appropriately as a tool for connection and support.
• Strong communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently in the community and adapt to changing needs.
• Basic computer literacy for documentation.
• Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS or NYS-CPS) or willingness to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Experience with outreach, community engagement, or peer support roles.
• Knowledge of local community resources and support systems.
• Bilingual or multicultural skills.

Core Competencies

• Empathy & Active Listening
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Cultural Humility
• Strengths-Based Approach
• Boundary Management
• Community Engagement Skills
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Flexibility and Adaptability

Baltic Street Wellness Solutions will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition or religious exemption that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, an exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular fieldwork, including community outreach, and participation in events.
• Ability to walk, stand, or travel for extended periods while conducting outreach

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.