Peer Engagement Specialist

TITLE: Peer Engagement Specialist

REPORTS: Director of Recovery Services

FLSA CODE: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Odyssey House Recovery Center - 2038 Davidson Ave. Bronx, NY 10453

OUR MISSION:

Since 1967, Odyssey House has been providing innovative services and programs to a broad population of individuals and families struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. Odyssey House helps New Yorkers of all ages—and across all five boroughs—beat drugs and alcohol with highly individualized treatment programs. Odyssey House provides high quality, holistic treatment impacting all major life spheres, including: psychological, physical, social, family, educational and spiritual in order to support personal rehabilitation, renewal and family restoration.

If that sounds different than other treatment programs, you’re right. Because Odyssey is where recovery gets real.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

The Peer Engagement Specialist plays a vital role in connecting individuals affected by substance use/misuse to peer-based recovery support. This position is responsible for conducting street-level outreach, providing recovery coaching, facilitating support groups, and engaging underserved community members through trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts street-level outreach in high-need areas including parks, NYCHA housing and shelters.

• Engages participants using Motivational Interviewing and strength-based case management.

• Assists participants in completing individualized Wellness Plans and engages them in appropriate recovery activities and services.

• Facilitate and co-facilitate peer-led recovery support groups and participate in the weekly Recovery Coach support group.

• Organize and lead community-based pro-social activities and events.

• Provide educational presentations to community partners and prospective participants.

• Participate in program activities such as the Consumer Advisory Board and steering committees.

• Collaborate with local hospitals, shelters, syringe exchange programs/harm reduction sites to strengthen referral networks.

• Support the use of the mobile outreach van to broaden outreach, deliver harm reduction supplies and recovery resources directly to the community.

• Document all services using required systems.

REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION/TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Lived experience with substance use and a willingness to share personal recovery journey.

• CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) preferred or CRPA-P (Provisional) with intent to complete certification.

• Minimum 1 year experience providing peer support, outreach or related recovery services.

• Ability to deliver culturally competent services to a diverse client population in an urban setting.

• Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma informed care, and recovery-oriented care systems.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse populations.

• A minimum of six months of community-based recovery with at least six consecutive months of abstinence at the time of hire. 

• Ability to work evenings or weekends.

• Valid New York State Driver’s license preferred.

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

In addition, Odyssey House offers:

• A 35-hour work week (as opposed to a 40-hour work week)
• Vacation Plan and Holiday Schedule
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance (Two Plans)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Additional Insurance Coverages (hospitalization, accidental, critical illness coverage)
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account
• 403(b) Plan
• Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) EAP benefit
• Ability Assist Counseling Services (through The Hartford)
• Commuter Benefits
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Special shopping discounts through ADP Marketplace and PlumBenefits
• RUFit?! Fitness Program
• Legal Assistance through ARAG
• Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare
• Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher

Odyssey House is an equal opportunity employer maintaining a non-discriminatory policy on hiring of its personnel. Odyssey House, and its operational divisions, will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizen status in all employment decisions including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, training, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.