Certified Peer Specialist

Job Description

Mission Statement: “To empower and inspire people of all communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives”.

MHAW strives to develop an authentic, diverse workforce that embraces, creates, respects and demonstrates diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the work environment, towards one another and those we serve. We recognize that our agency is strongest when we all embrace the full spectrum of diversity and experience. We actively seek to employ a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve.

Position: Fee for Service Peer Specialist

Service Unit Compensation: $40.00 per service unit, or $42.00 per service unit for Bilingual Peer Specialists

Training Compensation: $30.00 per hour for all required training

Hours: Up to 20 hours per week, evening and Saturday availability required

Location: Ronkonkoma, NY with travel throughout Suffolk County

Start Date: Immediate

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness is seeking a New York State Certified Peer Specialist to join our CORE (Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment) Program. We are looking for an individual with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, and/or recovery who is passionate about helping others on their recovery journey.

Peer Specialists at MHAW establish positive, strength-based, and empowering relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them build meaningful, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

This is not a clinical position, as it is reserved for a trained Peer Specialist who draws on lived experience to support and promote recovery. Responsibilities and tasks will include, but are not limited to:

-Provide individualized peer support and coaching to individuals affected by psychiatric diagnoses, substance use, or trauma.
-Co-create person-centered care plans aligned with each individual’s goals and recovery journey.
-Facilitate and/or co-facilitate activities, peer support groups, community outings, and workshops that promote engagement, learning, and wellness.
-Foster safe, inclusive environments that encourage social connection and mutual support.
-Support individuals in identifying and utilizing community resources to enhance independence and community integration.
-Assist participants in developing coping strategies, recognizing triggers, and minimizing the negative effects of symptoms.
-Promote and assist with advocacy related to entitlements such as food, clothing, housing, and other benefits.
-Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with MHAW standards and funding requirements.
-Attend weekly supervision, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
-Adapt to a dynamic work environment and demonstrate flexibility as daily priorities shift.

Required Qualifications:

-New York State Peer Specialist Certification is required
-Personal lived experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use recovery.
-Minimum one year of direct service experience supporting individuals with psychiatric diagnoses or trauma histories.
-Excellent listening, empathy, and communication skills with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
-Reliable, self-motivated, and organized with strong time management skills.
-Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and social media).
-Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License; access to an insured, NYS-registered passenger vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Bilingual (English/Spanish).
-Knowledge of behavioral health systems, Health Homes, HARP, SPA housing, and public entitlements.
-Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Education:

-High school diploma or GED.

All MHAW employees are eligible for:

-Sick time
-403b Plan