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Peer Support Specialist
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Career Insights for Social / Human Services Specialist
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What they do
A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
$51,718 / year median in New York
+13% projected growth
Job Description
Position Overview:
As a Peer Support Specialist in our Peer to Peer Program, you will use your lived experience of recovery, resilience, or caregiving to engage, support, and empower individuals and families navigating behavioral health or social challenges. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide non-clinical peer support services, build mutual relationships, lead groups or one-on-one sessions, and help connect people to resources, community supports, and hope.Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize your lived experience to build trust and rapport with participants, serving as a role model of recovery/resilience.
- Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, or individual peer sessions.
- Assist participants in building self-advocacy skills, navigating services, identifying goals, and creating wellness plans.
- Share strategies for coping, resilience, and community involvement (in a non-clinical peer role).
- Collaborate with clinical staff, case managers, and other team members to integrate the peer perspective into treatment planning and service delivery.
- Document peer support activities, participant progress, and outcomes according to agency and funding guidelines.
- Attend staff trainings, team meetings, and contribute to ongoing peer workforce development.
Qualifications:
- Minimum High School Diploma or GED; some college or relevant training preferred.
- Must have lived experience relevant to peer support (for example: personal experience of behavioral health recovery, caregiving for a child/youth with emotional/behavioral challenges, youth lived experience, etc.).
- Must hold a recognized New York peer credential (e.g., NYCPS or Youth/Family Peer credentials) within [specify timeframe, e.g., 6 months of hire].
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and group facilitation skills.
- Ability to work independently, as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to person-centered, culturally competent, trauma-informed care.
- Familiarity with NYC services, community resources, and strong networking skills helpful.
- [Specify any additional requirements: schedule flexibility, some evening/weekend work, travel within boroughs, etc.
Preferred:
- Prior experience working in a peer support role, community outreach, behavioral health services, youth/family services.
- Bilingual skills a plus (e.g., Spanish, Haitian Creole).
- Experience with electronic documentation systems and reporting.