Peer Counselor

Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Peer Counselor.

In this role, the successful candidate The Peer Counselor is a vital member of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) and Mobile Crisis Team, providing recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered peer support services to individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis. Services are delivered in accordance with New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations governing Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs (14 NYCRR Part 590) and Mobile Crisis Teams.
Drawing upon lived experience of mental health recovery, the Peer Specialist engages individuals with empathy, respect, and hope, supporting stabilization, engagement in care, and connection to community-based resources.
The Peer Specialist hired under this role will rotate between hospital-based CPEP services and community-based Mobile Crisis Team responses, working collaboratively with licensed clinicians and interdisciplinary team members.

Job Responsibilities:

Provide peer support to individuals presenting to CPEP or served by the Mobile Crisis Team, using lived experience to promote engagement, hope, and recovery under the supervision of licensed staff
Respond to psychiatric crises in community settings including private residences, shelters, street outreach locations, and other public settings
Assist individuals in navigating the psychiatric emergency system, including explaining processes, expectations, and available supports in accessible language
Participate in de-escalation and engagement efforts consistent with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices
Assist with discharge planning and diversion efforts by supporting individuals in identifying natural supports, community resources, and follow-up care
Provide post-crisis follow-up support as assigned, including outreach and linkage to outpatient mental health, substance use, social service, and other supports
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members while maintaining a clear peer role distinct from clinical functions
Rotate between CPEP and Mobile Crisis Team assignments based on program needs
Participate in rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required
Work 11.5-hour shifts; scheduled for approximately 3 shifts per week, with a minimum requirement of 13 shifts per month
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, supervision, and required trainings
Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital and program requirements
Maintain compliance with hospital and program policies and procedures

Additional Position-Specific Responsibilities

Hospital-based psychiatric emergency care and community-based fieldwork with frequent travel
Frequent interaction with individuals in acute emotional distress and exposure to unpredictable environments
Ability to manage high-acuity situations, respond rapidly to emergent needs, and maintain professional composure

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a High School Diploma or GED
NYS certification as a Peer Specialist or an ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in psychiatric emergency services, mobile crisis or outreach programs, hospitals, or community-based behavioral health settings
Familiarity with community resources, entitlement programs, housing systems, and behavioral health services
Experience conducting outreach or home- or community-based visits
Bilingual or multilingual candidates strongly preferred; proficiency in Mandarin, Cantonese, and/or Spanish is a plus