Peer Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: Director of Employment Services
Program:  Employment Services
Location: White Plains, NY
Hours Per Week: 15
FLSA Status:  Part-time, Non-exempt
Salary Range: $18-21 per hour

Summary Description: The Peer Employment Specialist provides person-centered peer support, employment readiness coaching, advocacy, and encouragement to individuals receiving Employment Services. Working under the supervision of the Program Director, the Peer Employment Specialist helps participants build confidence, develop workplace skills, overcome barriers to employment, and achieve individualized employment goals. The Peer Employment Specialist maintains a small caseload and provides individualized support while assisting with groups, workshops, and other program activities. 

Responsibilities: 

• Maintain an assigned caseload of individuals who are at various stages of employment readiness. 

• Provide one-to-one peer support services utilizing recovery-oriented and person-centered practices. 

• Share lived experience appropriately to promote hope, resilience, self-advocacy, and recovery. 

• Assist participants in identifying and pursuing vocational and employment goals. 

• Support participants in developing work-readiness skills

• Facilitate or co-facilitate employment-focused groups and workshops. 

• Assist participants with navigating workplace expectations and employment-related challenges. 

• Connect participants to community resources, vocational rehabilitation services, benefits counseling, and other supports. 

• Complete required documentation accurately and within established timelines. 

• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings. 

• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA requirements. 

• Adhere to all Greater Mental Health of NY policies, procedures, and ethical standards. 

• Represent recovery values and principles in all interactions with participants, staff, and community partners. 

Competencies: 

• Demonstrates effective use of lived experience in a professional peer role. 
• Effective client engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently. 
• Proficiency in using Electronic Health Record systems is important. 
• Practice in a recovery-oriented, person-centered methodology. 
• Works collaboratively with program staff and community partners. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 

• Maintain active engagement with assigned caseload. 
• Timely and accurate completion of required documentation. 
• Complete participant documentation within agency-required timeframes. 
• Adherence to regulatory standards and agency policies. 

Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or Bachelor's degree preferred 
• Successful completion of the Greater Mental Health of NY Peer Training Program and Peer Academy Certification.  
• Personal lived experience of recovery and willingness to utilize lived experience appropriately within a professional peer role. 
• Understanding of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered services. 
• Basic computer knowledge. 
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record. 
• Maintain New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire. 
• Must maintain pre-employment clearances and applicable regulatory clearances as required. 
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States. 

Special Considerations :

• Ability to work evenings or flexible hours to meet participant needs.
• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change based on program needs.

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.