Peer Specialist

Work Location: Cortelyou Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn

Hours: Full -Time Afternoon and Evening hours required

Salary Range: $35,000 - $35,000

Founded in 1866, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) empowers children and families to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and foster self-sufficiency in adults. With programs in 40 locations, BCS serves more than 20,000 individuals a year.

Cortelyou is a 46 unit supportive housing program located in Flatbush Brooklyn. The Program specially services young adults 18-25 years old with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness and have a chronic history of being unhoused. Most of the young adults living at Cortelyou are members of the LGBTQ community. The Program offers a safe and affirming living environment and supportive services to help our young adults to move towards long term stability. This Program is under the NY/NY 15 population C agreement and funding is being provided through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene..

Responsibilities:

• Work in collaboration with case managers to assist residents with developing their skills as it relates to medication management, maintaining personal hygiene, and overall apartment cleanliness

• Partner with program staff to aid residents with budgeting, shopping, meal planning/preparation, and clean-up

• Work in partnership with community providers to resolve challenges impacting residents’ ability to manage and retain supportive housing

• Complete progress notes within 24 hours of individual sessions

• Escort clients to appointments as instructed by Program Director (i.e. medical, psychiatric, Social Security Administration, Public Assistance, and Emergency Room, etc.)

• Participate in community recreational events to increase consumer socialization skills

• Link clients to peer support and self-help recovery resources

• Educate residents on how to utilize public transportation

• Facilitate/co-facilitate groups, as directed

• Aid with coordinating resident move-ins and move-outs

• Provide support services to community residents and church social programs

• Participate in the facilitation of fire drills

• Attend all meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, and case conferences as assigned and required Complete all tasks and special projects as assigned by Program Director

Qualifications Required:

• High School diploma or G.E.D.

• Peer specialist certification preferred

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Basic computer and data entry skills

• Lived experience with a commitment to assist others in attaining recovery and wellness goals

• OMH Fingerprinting and background check required

• Afternoon and weekend coverage required

• BCS and Turning Point require that all employees entering the workplace be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless an exemption is granted as a medical or religious accommodation

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.