Peer Advocate/Employment Specialist

Job Title: Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist

Hourly Rate: $24.75 per hour

Status: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Position Summary:

The Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist provides integrated peer support and employment services to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and/or disabilities. Drawing on lived experience and professional training, this role promotes personal empowerment, recovery, and successful employment outcomes. Services are person-centered, strengths-based, and delivered across various community settings such as homes, hospitals, shelters, libraries, job sites, and peer-run spaces.

Job Responsibilities:

Peer Advocacy & Recovery Support

• Maintain regular, meaningful contact with participants (minimum: 1 face-to-face and 2 indirect contacts monthly).

• Facilitate recovery groups and participate in community engagement activities (e.g., Nights Out, Mixers).

• Educate participants on wellness and recovery topics, including:

o Peer/Self-help Resources

oTrauma & Healing

o Recovery from Mental Health Challenges

o SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness

o WRAP and wellness planning

o Natural and community-based support systems

• Identify and help participants overcome barriers such as stigma, lack of access to care, or unmet basic needs.

• Build peer relationships rooted in mutuality, empathy, and lived experience.

• Directly connects individuals to services and support (not just through referrals).

• Advocate side-by-side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected.

• Advocate side-by-side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected.

• Document all meaningful interactions using electronic health record systems.

• Submit required monthly reports and attend regional or team meetings.

Employment Support & Coaching

• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support based on participants’ employment goals or IEPs.

• Assist with:

o Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews)

o Job orientation and transportation planning

o On-the-job support and skill development

o Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors

o Navigating workplace adjustments and integration

o Addressing barriers to employment retention

• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, housing providers, and community resources.

• Support participants in accessing public resources and entitlements relevant to employment.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience (must meet one of the following):

• Bachelor’s Degree in health or human services 1 year of direct service experience

• Associate Degree or 60 college credits 2 years of experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses

Additional Requirements:

• Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire

• Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

• Knowledge of ASL

• Completion of Academy of Peer Services training

• At least 2 years of advocacy experience

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Location: Community-based work (homes, shelters, hospitals, job sites), plus office settings

• Travel: Up to 50% local travel within Dutchess and Ulster Counties

• Schedule: Must be flexible and available for some evening and weekend hours

• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, use hands, and communicate clearly as needed

• Tools: Regular use of standard office equipment and Kronos timekeeping

Other Duties:

This description reflects general duties but may evolve. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as organizational needs change.

Reports to Director of Employment Services