Peer Advocate/Employment Specialist

Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist

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.

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:

• Peer/Self-help Resources
• Trauma & Healing
• Recovery from Mental Health Challenges
• SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness
• WRAP and wellness planning
• 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.

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:

• Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews)
• Job orientation and transportation planning
• On-the-job support and skill development
• Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors
• Navigating workplace adjustments and integration
• 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

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