Peer Navigator

Peer Navigator

Job Title: Peer Navigator

Department: Family, Education & Support Services

Reports to: Intake & Referral Coordinator

Location: Syracuse Office – 627 West Genesee Street

Schedule: Full-time (35 hours/week; occasional evenings/weekends)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $21.00 – $23.00 hourly

Position Summary: ACR Health is seeking a Peer Navigator to provide support, education, outreach, and care navigation services to individuals living with HIV. Using lived experience, personal insight, empathy, and advocacy skills, the Peer Navigator helps clients access care, remain engaged in treatment, and navigate barriers to services.

The ideal candidate brings a meaningful understanding of the challenges that may impact individuals affected by HIV and is passionate about empowering others through encouragement, education, and peer support. The successful candidate is empathetic, dependable, community-minded, and committed to improving health outcomes and quality of life for those served.

Authority and Independence: The Peer Navigator works under general supervision while exercising sound judgment within established policies and procedures. This role requires maintaining strict confidentiality, actively engaging in outreach, accompanying clients to appointments, and providing empathetic, culturally responsive peer support.

Peer Qualification Requirement

This is a designated Peer Navigator position supporting individuals living with HIV.

Candidates must possess relevant lived experience that enables them to provide authentic peer support, mentorship, advocacy, and navigation services to individuals affected by HIV.

Lived experience may include, but is not limited to:

• Personal experience navigating HIV-related services or systems.
• Supporting, caring for, or advocating for a family member, partner, friend, or loved one affected by HIV.
• Experience navigating healthcare, behavioral health, housing, recovery, or supportive service systems.
• Other meaningful life experiences that provide insight into the challenges faced by the populations served through this program.

Candidates must be able to use their lived experience in a professional manner to foster trust, connection, empowerment, and engagement among clients.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Relevant lived experience related to HIV, healthcare navigation, caregiving, advocacy, recovery, or other experiences that support effective peer engagement required.
• Experience providing peer support, mentoring, advocacy, outreach, customer service, or community-based services preferred.
• Familiarity with HIV care, behavioral health, substance use services, or community resources preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to provide stigma-free, non-judgmental support.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing peer support.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and email.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with Article 27-F HIV Confidentiality Law, HIPAA, and ACR Health policies.
• Provide peer-based support, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals living with HIV.
• Assist clients in accessing and navigating HIV medical care and supportive services.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect individuals with care.
• Support retention in care and treatment adherence efforts.
• Accompany clients to appointments when appropriate.
• Assist clients in understanding healthcare systems, benefits, and community resources.
• Support self-advocacy, self-management, and informed decision-making.
• Participate in community outreach and education activities.
• Collaborate with program staff and community partners to support client needs.
• Facilitate or assist with support groups, educational workshops, and client activities.
• Attend required meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of services provided.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Family, Education & Support Services, Chief Program Officer, and/or Chief Executive Officer.

Other Requirements

• Valid New York State driver's license.
• Reliable access to transportation for outreach, appointments, training, and community events.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and at weekends.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work Environment & Expectations: This role requires professionalism, empathy, and strong boundaries. The Peer Navigator must always maintain confidentiality while engaging clients with respect, cultural humility, and compassion. The position involves both office-based work and community outreach.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned to support program and organizational needs.