Peer Specialist- Clinical Rapid Response
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Key details
- Location
- New York City, NY, United States
- Work style
- Onsite
- Level
- Entry level
- Job type
- Full-time
- Experience
- 1–2 yrs
- Function
- Healthcare
- Focus area
- other
- Posted
- 2w ago
Skills
About the role
Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.
About Urban Pathways
Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Peer Specialist for the Proactive Support Team (PST) has a critical role in providing immediate, compassionate, and person-centered support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, while proactively helping to prevent future crises. Drawing upon their lived experience, the Peer Specialist builds trust, fosters meaningful connections, and promotes engagement by guiding individuals toward resources and services that support healing, recovery, stability, and overall well-being.
As an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, the Peer Specialist supports crisis intervention, stabilization, and ongoing engagement with individuals experiencing high-acuity behavioral health needs. A key responsibility of this role is to assist individuals in developing and strengthening essential coping, self-management, communication, and daily living skills that promote greater independence, resilience, and long-term stability. Through a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and strengths-based approach, the Peer Specialist contributes to a supportive environment that empowers individuals to build upon their strengths, achieve personal goals, and reduce the likelihood of recurring crises. The Peer Specialist will be an active listener and provide high-quality peer support and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Program/Facilities
- Provides support and resources/referrals for clients to meet health objectives, including but not limited to:
- Health, mental health treatment, and substance abuse services
- Non-medical wellness services (yoga, meditation, exercise, etc.)
- Social and community integration activities
- Provides guidance, support, and side-by-side skills modeling to clients on an on-going basis.
- Accompany clients to medical appointments. Visits clients in the hospital and other health care centers as necessary.
- Provides guidance in meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.
- Promotes client self-advocacy skills.
- Organizes and facilitates individual and group wellness activities including workshops, groups and social activities.
- Monitors client medications, as required.
- Completes incident reports and distributes related notices within 24 hours.
Administrative
- Maintains and submits all necessary documentation and reports accurately in a timely manner and as required by Urban Pathways, regulatory and funding agency policies, and procedures including but not limited to:
- Enters progress notes after each client meeting within 48 hours and/or in compliance with Urban Pathways and funding agency requirements.
- Updates information in client records, as required.
- Documents incidents and distributes related notices within 24 hours when the Peer Specialist witnessed the incident.
- Submits all required paperwork for supervisor approval within 48 hours.
- Files paperwork in client charts (once approved/signed by supervisor), as required by program (no more than 48 hours).
Community Relations
- Develops and maintains relationships with community services and resources with particular emphasis on substance/alcohol abuse programs, health and mental health programs, and benefits.
- Attends and participates in external meetings with funding agencies and housing providers.
Communication
- Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times.
- Attend staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions, as required.
- Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.
Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.
Qualifications, Education and Experience
- High School diploma or GED required.
- At least 1-2 years’ experience working as a peer in a social services or health care setting.
- Completion of Peer Advocacy/Specialist Training Program preferred.
- Experience working with unhoused individuals or populations with complex needs (mental health, substance use, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of community resources, housing programs, and social services in NYC.
- Experience navigating behavioral health services (mental health, co-occurring substance use treatment).
- Worked across diverse community-based settings, including neighborhoods and shelters, to engage with clients by providing assistance, and connect them with appropriate services and resources.
Skills & Competencies
- Adhere to ethical principles and professional standards of peer support, including maintaining confidentiality, respecting professional boundaries, promoting self-determination, and fostering trust, dignity, and respect in all interactions with clients.
- Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Outlook, etc.).
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and crisis intervention skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards in delivery service.
- Bi/Multi-lingual a plus.
Licenses
- A valid driver's license is preferred, with an acceptable driving record that complies with our insurance policy standards.
- Valid professional licenses and certifications if applicable.
Capabilities
- May be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
- Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees.
These benefits include:
- Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.
- Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.
- Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.
- Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.
- Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.