Peer Trainer

Job Description

Job Description

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT).

Program Description

Howie the Harp Advocacy Center (HTH), which is run by professionals who have personal experience with the mental health system, offers an array of services that help individuals with mental health concerns find meaningful, permanent employment and develop careers, primarily in human services.

All HTH programs are based on the core values of self-determination and peer expertise. Through the Comprehensive Peer Training Program, Assisted Competitive Employment Program (ACE), and other initiatives, the Academy offers a wide range of services including training, internship experience, job placement and support, and continuing education services.

Position Overview

The Peer Trainer will develop and offer a series of workshops designed to help peer specialists learn about different specialties in peer work and practice the skills that different roles would require. This would help better prepare those who are interested in working with people who are experiencing mental health crises in a variety of settings such as: mobile crisis response teams; in hospitals; in crisis respite residences; street outreach; or on Intensive Mobile Treatment or Assertive Community Treatment Teams (IMT/ACT), and Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (INSET) which often work with people with higher needs who may frequently be in crisis.

The target populations for these trainings would be those enrolled in our Howie the Harp peer training program as well as for people already working in the peer field who would like to explore different types of jobs or hone skills in their current areas of practice.

Key Performance Indicators

• Develops and annually updates a curriculum of relevant trainings and workshops that cover the latest developments in NYC crisis response services and their best practices.
• Conduct trainings as scheduled.
• Group notes are completed within 48 business hours of the class meeting.

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• New York State Peer Certification, required (or obtained in the first year of employment).
• Bachelor’s degree, required.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, group facilitation and conflict resolution.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply on

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V.

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as

having a personal experience using mental health services.