Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Peer Specialist

Job Summary:                

We are currently seeking a Peer Specialist for our Intensive Services Unit (ISU). Rapidly after release into the program, the Peer Specialist will assist the Clinical team with conducting Supervision Introduction/Orientation meetings with new participants to review supervision conditions required under the supervision plan. Additionally, the Peer Specialist will work alongside a clinician, together they will assist program participants and focus on delivering proactive field-based direct services and limited coverage at court. The ideal candidate for this role will serve as a reliable support to the ISU team, have great flexibility, creativity and persistence among other dynamic qualities.

The Intensive Services Unit initiative will implement innovative approaches to working with individuals who have been placed in the Supervised Release Program and experience more extensive needs and challenges that may impact daily functioning and program engagement. The ideal candidate for this position will work well as part of a coordinated clinical team actively assisting all team members. The group of program participants manage challenges in mental health, substance use, employment, education, and medical health. The team promotes proactive, sustained engagement in the community as a catalyst to individual transformation by bridging participants to community partners and resources eager to support our participants in realizing their greatest potential.

Shift Hours: This position is full-time Monday - Friday from 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Salary: The salary for this role is $47,500 (non-peer certified) - $54,000 (peer certified) per year + night differential pay.

Location Address: 159 W. 25th Street, New York, NY 10001. Our office is easily accessible by public transportation.  

Workplace Flexibility: Flexible – Staff have flexibility to complete their workday from home or another suitable space, typically after reporting to the office and/or engaging in field or community-based work.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Conduct field-based engagement and supervision services to help participants effectively utilize pretrial services and participate in recovery supports
• Participate in regularly occurring team meetings and morning “huddles” to review cases collaboratively and inspire ongoing discussion of emerging participant needs and trends
• Participate in regularly occurring clinical supervision along with clinical partner to identify ongoing needs of assigned participants and establish ongoing plans for aftercare support and permanency
• Complete all necessary documentation of services provided through regular progress notes and service plan changes in the program database that incorporates all communication with participants
• Provide linkage and systems navigation support with behavioral health treatment and human services systems to promote participants to address their needs and problems
• Raise participant awareness of available services, pathways to recovery, and help remove barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and service access
• Assist participants to select and utilize the things that bring a sense of passion, purpose, and meaning in their lives, coaching participant as they identify barriers to engaging in these activities
• Assist participants with skills development that guides towards a more independent life
• Provide peer bridging services as participants make transitions from jail to community and from hospital to community, they can access immediate needs for food, clothing, housing, and support for successful transitions
• Participate in supervision, case review, staff meetings, and trainings to develop motivational interviewing, trauma-informed, peer support, case management, and self-help competence
• Provide services responsive to the race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and criminal legal history of program participants
• Any other duties as required by the Team Leader and other supervisory staff.

What We Are Looking For:  

• High School Diploma or Equivalency degree
• Minimum of one year experience providing peer services in a social services program, providing direct services to individuals, families and/or groups, preferably in a field-based setting
• Knowledge of community-based resources and support services for vulnerable individuals
• Highly motivated self-starter, able to translate goals into action and deliver successful outcomes
• Candidates who are criminal legal-impacted or identify as having lived experience in various support systems are encouraged to apply
• Must be able to lift 5-10 lbs
• Must be able to sit for extended periods
• Must be able to navigate 5 boroughs of NYC and perform field work in a variety of weather conditions

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience with forensic, legal system or field-based mobile treatment teams strongly preferred
• Fluency in Spanish
• Satisfactory completion of a recognized Peer Training program with externship experience preferable
• Certification as a Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Coach (CARC) or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) strongly preferred

Employee Benefits:  

CASES cares about employee wellbeing, and we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, including:  

• Medical 
• Dental 
• Vision 
• Vacation and Paid Time Off – starting at 25 days-off annually
• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Retirement 403b Competitive matching up to 6%
• Employee Referral Program
• Visit to learn more about benefits offered by the CASES 

Although we would love to learn about the skills of every candidate, only selected candidates that are selected will receive a response. We encourage you to apply for any position you feel you are qualified for.   

CASES is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with CASES is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, military, or citizenship status. We also actively recruit individuals with prior involvement in the criminal legal system.

Monday - Friday, 1pm - 9pm
35 hours per week excluding breaks