Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: INSET Team Leader
Program:  Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (INSET)
Location: Primarily based in White Plains, NY and/or Rockland, NY (this is a mobile role and may require travel to additional service areas in Putnam, Orange, and Sullivan counties, as needed)
Hours Per Week: 35
FLSA Status:  Full-time,   Non-Exempt
Salary Range : $60,000 annually

Join Us! Join us at Greater Mental Health of New York, where our mission is to promote mental wellness through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We empower individuals and families on their unique journeys to recovery, honoring their rights to self-determination, choice, and collaboration. With evidence-based practices and a focus on trauma-responsive care, our dedicated team provides comprehensive services to thousands and fosters independence and resilience within our community. If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health and creating brighter futures for individuals and families throughout the Lower Hudson Valley region, apply today!

Benefits Summary

• Retirement: 403(b)-with employer contribution after 1 year of service
• Flexible Work Arrangements: subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off-15 days per year
• Paid sick time-12 days per year
• Employer-paid holidays: 11 days per year
• Professional Development: Opportunities for advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
• Additional Perks: Free EAP services and employee discounts (travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, auto, shopping, and more)!
• Gym reimbursement through employer's medical insurance carrier.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): qualifying employer

Summary Description:  
Greater Mental Health of New York’s INSET program provides mobile, community-based, and flexible support for individuals with histories of acute distress, frequent hospitalizations, or ineffective past care. Led by peers and grounded in a person-first approach, INSET prioritizes immediate needs, builds lasting social and family connections, and offers care coordination without traditional time or location constraints. The INSET Peer Support Specialist will offer direct outreach and support for adults who are engaged with INSET programming. Peer Support Staff are responsible for working with participants toward their identified goals and aspirations, individually and as a part of their desired groups/communities. The peer support staff will offer linkages to professional, recovery, peer, family, and natural supports in their community. The Peer Support Staff will support recovery by providing services that reflect the values of peer support, including the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making, and collaboration. 

Responsibilities:                                       

• The peer will manage a caseload of participants consistent with industry standards, meet regulatory expectations/ guidelines, and reflect our population's needs. The exact number of participants may vary based on factors such as case complexity and the availability of support resources.
• Offer individual peer support to participants using a flexible, person-first, and trauma-informed framework
• Provide regular community outreach to engage members of the community that may not historically engage with the mental health system
• Positively facilitate connections with services and resources
• Schedule and co-facilitate networking and support groups for participants as requested
• Support participants with bridging from respite, emergency rooms, periods of incarceration, etc.
• Utilize strengths-based, person-first tools to support the participant in planning goals. Advanced Directives and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans) are encouraged.
• Follow established agency policies and maintain professional standards
• Prepare required reports and documentation
• Provide after-hours emergency coverage and crisis intervention as needed
• Adhere to standards established by regulatory authorities.
• Other related duties as assigned

Competencies: 

• This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and possibility of recovery for people who are psychiatrically labeled.
• The INSET peer support staff must be aware of community resources, supports, and systems, collaborating with the participant to make referrals if indicated by the participant
• Knowledge of behavioral diagnoses and symptomatology
• Effective client engagement skills. 
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Proficiency in using Electronic Health Record systems. 
• Practice in a recovery-oriented, person-centered methodology.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 

• Timely and accurate completion of required documentation. 
• Effective coordination and utilization of community resources. 
• Responsive and supportive crisis intervention. 
• Adherence to regulatory standards and agency policies.

Requirements: 

• Certification as a New York Peer Specialist (or eligible for certification within six months of hire)
• While not required, it is beneficial for the NY Certified Peer Specialist to hold other credentials such as a CRPA, FPA, or YPA credential
• 2 years of related work experience (preferably, the candidate will have experience in mobile engagement techniques)
• Basic computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must have a valid Driver's License, a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier, and adhere to our agency driver policy.
  • Must have held a valid driver's license for 3 years or more.
  • Have no more than 6 points on your driving record.
  • Agency Drivers must be at least 21 years of age or older. 
  • Obtain and maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire. 
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Special Considerations : 

• Weekly full-time schedule may include two evenings per week and weekends when requested
• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs
• Flexibility with work hours is required due to the mobile nature of the program

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position.  The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter.  You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report. 

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.