Peer Specialist

Peer Specialist

Location: New York City Metropolitan Area

Report to: Director of Social Services

Classification: Non-exempt

Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Role Summary: A Peer Specialist is a compassionate and motivated individual who supports clients throughout their recovery and rehousing journey. Drawing on their own lived experiences, the Peer Specialist inspire hope, foster meaningful relationships, and promote empowerment and self-determination. They play a vital role in assisting clients in developing essential skills and accessing necessary resources.

Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide empathetic peer support for clients
• Assist clients in building skills, confidence, and supportive relationships as they prepare for independent or supportive living
• Advocate on behalf of an alongside clients within the team and in the broader community
• Facilitate peer-led run groups and provide one-on-one support to clients
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized recovery plan, coping strategies, and rehabilitation goals
• Coordinate client logistics to develop logistics, including medical appointments, therapy sessions, and support group participation
• Promptly report any unusual behavior, conflict, or deviation from recovery progress to the Social Service staff
• Actively identify and facilitate linkages to appropriate community resources
• Escort clients to program-related appointments as needed
• Assist with planning and executing program events and activities
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all resident, staff and agency information
• Supporting program staff with assigned project-based work
• Conduct after care follow-up in coordination with case managers
• Assess clients' behavior and psychological needs
• Identifying and respond appropriately when clients may be at risk of harming themselves or others

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.
• Ability to lift, carry, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed.

Work Environment / Schedule Requirements:

• May at times be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays based on organizational needs, deadlines, or events.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
• Lived experience with homelessness/displacement, mental health conditions, trauma, and/or substance use challenges.
• Highly compassionate with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
• Must pass drug test to be appointed.
• This position may be subject to a series of checks before and/or after appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.

Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io with the Subject "Reasonable Accommodation Request."

Competitive Benefits Package:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Paid Time-off
• Vol Life Insurance and AD&D
• Term Life and AD&D insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program support (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital
• Employee Discount Program

False Statements

Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.