Peer Counselor

Overview Utilize experience as a recipient of behavioral health services with a willingness to share personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit program enrollees. Schedule Sun-Thurs, 10am-6pm Mon-Thu-Tue-Mon, 1pm-9pm Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop supportive partnerships with guests experiencing crisis using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and intentional peer support approaches. Promote a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment where guests feel heard and valued; practice Intentional Peer Support (IPS) principle. Utilize personal experience with the behavioral health system to support guests in their individual recovery journey. Foster a sense of community and connection through shared lived experiences, encouragement, and participation in daily program activities. Assist with the pre-registration process for individuals referred from hospitals, treatment providers, or self-referral. Support intake and onboarding of new guests, including service orientation, facility tours, and introductions to staff and peers. Collaborate with Health Home staff and other community providers to help guests identify and achieve short-term goals during their stay. Facilitate individual and group-based activities, including Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and related wellness activities. Provide ongoing follow-up and encouragement toward goal achievement. Advocate for guests and assist with accessing healthcare and community services, addressing barriers such as transportation, stigma, and communication challenges. Support guests with activities of daily living (ADLs) and help maintain a clean, safe living environment. Complete timely and accurate documentation of guest interactions, services provided, significant events, referrals, and collateral contacts in accordance with program requirements. Participate in data collection and reporting related to program outcomes and service delivery. Attend and actively engage in supervision, team meetings, training sessions, and case conferences. Provide flexible coverage, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required. Required Education and Experience Demonstrated respect for and comfort working with individuals experiencing mental health crises; lived experience with the mental health system, with the ability and willingness to share appropriately and respectfully in a peer support setting. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. NYCPS or NYCPS-P Certification (ACTIV). Preferred Qualifications and Skills Experience working in a behavioral health or related setting, ideally within a recovery-oriented model. Completion of a core Peer Specialist training program preferred (required within the probationary period if not already complete). Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active and empathetic listening. Ability to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation techniques to support a safe, recovery-focused environment. Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word. Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred. Benefits and Equal Opportunity PrideGlobal and its affiliates offer eligible employees comprehensive health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), supplemental coverage (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), 401(k) retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home, pet insurance, and employee discounts with preferred vendors. PrideGlobal and its affiliates are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are a Fair Chance employer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and ordinances. Accommodation We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact us. Note: Some content has been reformatted for clarity and to remove garbled text while preserving the core responsibilities, qualifications, and policy statements. #J-18808-Ljbffr