What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full-Time Peer Specialist position at People USA?
Organization: People USA. Inc.
Position: Peer Specialist
Position Type: Full-Time
Payrate: $30.05 per hour
Program: Yonkers MCRT (Mobile Crisis Response Team)
Location: Yonkers, NY
Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Job Summary:
Position: Peer Specialist
Position Type: Full-Time
Payrate: $30.05 per hour
Program: Yonkers MCRT (Mobile Crisis Response Team)
Location: Yonkers, NY
Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Job Summary:
The Mobile Crisis Response Team provides community-based crisis response and interventions including triage, screening, assessment, referrals/linkages to appropriate care, as well as care collaboration with community providers and follow up services.
Job Duties:
- Addresses referrals from law enforcement and dispatch including referrals via warm hand-offs.
- Work in collaboration with law enforcement, community providers, team members, and external partners.
- Build peer-to-peer connections/relationships based on mutuality (shared lived experiences), empathy, and hope for recovery/wellness (peers-as-proof).
- Advocate for the participant by understanding the individual though a trauma-informed lens.
- Support participants toward recovery goals and wellness goals related to SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
- Directly connect individuals to appropriate levels of care and community resources as appropriate.
- Triage and Screen referrals, support participants through safety planning in conjunction with MCRT clinician.
- Provide Follow-up support for participants.
- Complete documentation according to Agency and Program policies and procedures.
- Consistently support People USA’s mission to instill a sense of hope, empowerment, and self-determination in people living with mental health concerns that fosters a sense of recovery and a transition to wellness.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standard: language and behaviors reflect such values.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
- Understanding of available community supports.
- Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
- Must have good time management skills and be self-directing and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and the possibility of robust recovery for people with a psychiatric diagnosis. People with personal experience as a recipient of mental health services and/or of personal recovery are encouraged to apply.
- HS Diploma or Equivalent.
- NYS Peer Specialist Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
- Demonstrated knowledge of histories, patterns and issues relating to mental health and substance use crisis.
- Flexibility, Resiliency, and Creative Problem-Solving.
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus!
Job Qualifications:
- 2 years in recovery from acute care environments.
- Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY
State Peer Specialist Certification. - Work or Volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy, or human services.
- Crisis Services experience a plus.
- Must possess a clean and valid driver's license.
MCRT‑Specific Physical and Environmental Requirements:
MCRT roles involve a combination of field‑based crisis response, community engagement, and documentation responsibilities. Physical and environmental expectations typically include the ability to:
- Stand, walk, or climb stairs during community responses, home visits, and multi‑unit building engagements.
- Lift 20–30 lbs as needed (equipment bags, participant belongings, or supplies).
- Drive for extended periods while responding across Yonkers/Westchester, often with rapid redeployment between calls.
- Respond quickly in emergent or unpredictable situations, including moving safely through crowded, confined, or unstable environments.
- Sit for extended periods during documentation, case coordination, and periods of low call volume; this includes sustained computer and phone work.
- Work in varied environmental conditions, including outdoor settings, private residences, shelters, hospitals, and public spaces. Staff may encounter heat, cold, inclement weather, loud environments, strong odors, or settings with limited climate control.
- Tolerate exposure to high‑stress or emotionally charged situations, including behavioral health crises, family conflict, or scenes with multiple responding agencies.
Reports to: Director of Mobile Crisis Response Team
Salary : $30