The Connections to Care (CTC) Peer Specialist provides community-based support to individuals, youth, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with serious mental illness, emotional disturbance, or co-occurring disorders. Approximately 80% of the work takes place in the field, including on the streets, in subways, drop-in centers, and shelters. As part of The Bridge, a respected mental health agency, the Peer Specialist helps advance our mission to offer help, hope, and opportunity through a harm reduction and trauma-informed lens, while addressing the impact of systemic racism on the communities we serve.

Essential Position Functions:

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide person-centered peer support services to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), or co-occurring disorders (COD). Complete all required documentation accurately, in a timely manner, and to a high standard of quality. Partner with clients, their families, and community organizations to support progress toward treatment and recovery goals. Coordinate care with hospitals, substance use treatment programs, probation and parole agencies, and other relevant service providers. Conduct psychosocial, substance use, and other clinical assessments, as needed. Support clients in developing individualized service plans and crisis and relapse prevention plans. Apply evidence-based practices, such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and harm reduction, to address mental health and substance use challenges. Assist clients in accessing support for housing, benefits, employment, education, vocational goals, community integration, and physical health care. Provide advocacy and support related to legal needs, including navigating the criminal justice system and coordinating with legal agencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English required; proficiency in Spanish is highly desired. Strong computer skills required. Lived experience with mental health, substance use, the criminal justice system, or homelessness is highly encouraged. Bilingual Spanish is highly preferred. The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action /

Equal Opportunity Employer Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$21.97 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

Certified Peer Specialist /Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (Required) Ability to

Commute:

New York, NY 10027 (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person