PEER ADVOCATE

Make a Difference Through the Power of Lived Experience
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, in collaboration with the Mobile Outreach Program, is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Advocate to join our team.


As a Peer Advocate , you will provide mobile outreach and peer support services to individuals experiencing serious mental illness and/or substance use challenges throughout the community. Working under the supervision of the Program Director, you will utilize your lived experience in recovery to inspire hope, promote wellness, and support clients as they navigate their recovery journeys.


As a valued member of the treatment team, you will help individuals develop recovery plans, engage in treatment, access community resources, and build the skills needed to achieve greater independence and stability.


Key Responsibilities

• Participate actively in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and treatment planning.
• Assist clients in developing individualized recovery and crisis plans.
• Provide psychoeducation focused on recovery, wellness, illness management, and self-advocacy.
• Utilize personal recovery experiences to serve as a role model and mentor.
• Teach coping skills, self-help strategies, and techniques that support long-term recovery.
• Provide case management support, including service coordination, referrals, and linkage to community resources.
• Collaborate with external providers and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation for all assigned clients.
• Advocate for clients and ensure their needs and preferences are represented within the treatment team.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities for individuals who are reluctant or struggling to participate in treatment.
• Support individuals in the early stages of recovery and treatment engagement.
• Mentor and support other peer staff, assisting Tier 1 peers in developing leadership skills.
• Attend required trainings and maintain all certification requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Tagged as: peer advocate, psych

Requirements


Required

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CPRA) credential required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or experience supporting a family member or loved one facing these challenges.
• Valid New York State Driver's License.
• Ability to utilize a personal vehicle for community and client visits.

Preferred

• Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) certification through OMH or OASAS.
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of community resources and recovery-oriented services.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.