Peer Support Specialist

JOB TITLE

Peer Support Specialist STATUS:

Sunday-Thursday 3pm-11pm, non-exempt - open to applicants with Full OR Part Time availability!

DEPARTMENT

Steve Preston Peer Connection Center/Programs

PAY RATE

$19-21/hour, DOE

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct peer-based support to veterans utilizing the Peer Connection Center, including one-on-one support, encouragement, advocacy, and connection to appropriate internal and community resources.
• Build rapport with veterans by recognizing individual strengths, responding with empathy, and creating psychologically safe interactions.
• Assist clients in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy, wellness planning, goal setting, and connection to natural support.
• Support the Peer Support Manager in implementing the monthly activity calendar, including groups, workshops, training, social connection opportunities, and wellness-based activities.
• Help prepare for, facilitate, and evaluate Peer Connection Center activities to ensure programming is intentional, welcoming, attended, and aligned with client needs.
• Promote participation in Peer Connection Center programming by actively engaging veterans, encouraging attendance, and helping reduce barriers to involvement.
• Provide role modeling and one-on-one support to clients while actively facilitating conflict resolution and remaining calm, objective, and solution-focused during emotionally charged or complex situations.
• Utilize Apricot to document client interactions, participation, referrals, case notes, and other required data in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
• Communicate concerns regarding client statements, behaviors, safety needs, crisis indicators, or service gaps to the Peer Support Manager or appropriate leadership in a timely manner.
• Assist with identifying client needs, resource gaps, participation trends, and opportunities to improve Peer Connection Center engagement.
• Support a clean, welcoming, safe, and organized Peer Connection Center environment.
• Attend training related to peer support, trauma-informed care, crisis response, veteran culture, documentation, etc.
• Participate in community activities as a representative of Peer Support Services as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous military experience preferred. Must be a certified NYS Peer Specialist or be able to obtain certification within the first 4 months of employment.
• Demonstrated cultural competencies in the following areas: Emotional Intelligence, Trauma-informed care, Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, Peer-centered support, and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• HS diploma or higher level of education achieved, along with at least one year of experience in peer support, human services, behavioral health, hospitality, recreation, community engagement, or a related field.
• Able to work evenings until 9pm, weekends, and holiday hours.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills; a willingness to be helpful, flexible, patient, and creative; able to remain calm during crisis situations.
• A nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of the individuals served.
• Strong organizational skills, accountability, and ability to accurately collect and record data, write case notes, maintain client files, and follow documentation expectations.
• Ability to take direction, communicate clearly with a supervisor, and work as part of a team-based program model.
• Valid NY State driver's license.
• Strong ethical character with ability to abide by VOC values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.

Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are encouraged to apply.

Pay:

$19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) matching Bereavement leave Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

License/Certification:

Certified Recovery Specialist (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person