Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

A Spanish version of this position is available upon request
La version de esta posicion esta disponible en Español si es requerida

BHSN is one of the region’s fastest-growing providers of whole-person care, and we are seeking passionate professionals to join our team of mission-driven changemakers.

Join Our Mission—Transform Lives with BHSN!

Your Role at BHSN:

The Peer Specialist provides engagement, support, and advocacy to individuals in both community and office-based settings as a collaborative member of the clinic team. Responsibilities include assisting with risk assessments, brief interventions, care coordination, and follow-up support following crisis situations or clinical appointments.

As designated by the Program Director, this role may include training and supervising other staff. Peer Specialist are expected to demonstrate compassion, respect, and high-quality care in every interaction, in the alignment with BHSN’s core values.

Assigned programs may include, but are not limited to:

• Outpatient behavioral health clinics
• School-based mental health services
• Crisis response teams
• Substance use treatment programs
• Rehabilitative support services

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with one late night until at least 6:00pm

• Provide peer support to individuals engaged in behavioral health or recovery services
• Help identify and promote safe, inclusive community-based activities to encourage social engagement
• Foster connection and trust with individuals during treatment and recovery processes
• Assist in delivering evidence-based interventions, as directed by the clinical team
• Support the creation and implementation of individual safety or wellness plans
• Educate individuals on their rights under the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), as needed
• Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, and training sessions
• Maintain awareness of Crisis Team procedures, agency policies, and applicable regulations
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards
• Collaborate with the care team in planning and coordination of meetings
• Engage individuals in immediate crisis to help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits or inpatient admissions
• Contribute to quality assurance and performance improvement activities
• Work collaboratively with other providers, rehabilitation staff, and support teams
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all protected health information (PHI)
• Promote client self-determination, growth, and recovery
• Assist in onboarding and training of new peer staff as assigned
• Maintain flexible availability to meet program needs, including evenings or weekends
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Must be eligible for or possess current New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Peer Specialists/Advocates certification; if not yet certified, must obtain within 90 days of employment.
• To be eligible for the Peer Specialists/Advocates certification through the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), applicants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older at the time application, as required by OMH credentialing standards.
• Self-identify as someone with lived experience in navigating mental health, substance use, developmental, medical, or behavioral health challenges during their youth.
• Have personal experience with one or more child-serving systems in New York State (i.e. foster care, juvenile justice, special education, mental health, substance use, etc.).
• Must complete OMH Partnering for Safety training and CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
• Proficiency in using computers, Microsoft Office
• Must have a valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Personal experience with recovery-oriented services and peer support
• Experience using electronic medical records systems

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Personalized health coverage, paid time off, and holiday pay
• Real Impact: Contribute to life-changing work in your own community
• Supportive Culture: Collaborative teams, hands-on leadership, and coaching for growth
• Growth Potential: As we expand, so do your career opportunities
• Extra Perks: Community discounts, potential loan forgiveness, and more

COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER:

This position is subject to credentialing requirements as set forth by the New York State Office of Mental Health. These credentialing requirements are based on lived experience and may include age-specific criteria set by the certifying body. Such requirements are regulatory in nature and not set by BHSN.

BHSN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. All applicants will be considered without regard to race (including hair texture or protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, disability, age, military or veteran status, immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by law.