Peer Counselor
$42,783–$51,533 year
On-siteBrooklyn, New York, United States
Job Summary
Provide peer support to individuals presenting to the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program or served by the Mobile Crisis Team, using lived experience to promote engagement, hope, and recovery under licensed staff supervision. Respond to psychiatric crises in community settings including private residences, shelters, street outreach locations, and public spaces. Assist individuals in navigating the psychiatric emergency system and participate in de-escalation efforts consistent with trauma-informed practices. Rotate between hospital-based CPEP services and community-based Mobile Crisis Team assignments, assisting with discharge planning and diversion efforts. Provide post-crisis follow-up support and linkage to outpatient mental health and social services. Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members while maintaining a clear peer role distinct from clinical functions. Participate in rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and complete accurate documentation in accordance with program requirements.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- NYS certification as a Peer Specialist or an ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire
- Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization
- Must be able to rotate between hospital-based CPEP services and community-based Mobile Crisis Team responses
- Must be able to participate in rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required
- Must be able to work 11.5-hour shifts; scheduled for approximately 3 shifts per week, with a minimum requirement of 13 shifts per month
- Must be able to participate in team meetings, case conferences, supervision, and required trainings
- Must be able to complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital and program requirements
- Must be able to maintain compliance with hospital and program policies and procedures
- Must be able to 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
- Must be able to respond to psychiatric crises in community settings including private residences, shelters, street outreach locations, and other public settings
- Must be able to assist individuals in navigating the psychiatric emergency system, including explaining processes, expectations, and available supports in accessible language
- Must be able to participate in de-escalation and engagement efforts consistent with trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices
- Must be able to assist with discharge planning and diversion efforts by supporting individuals in identifying natural supports, community resources, and follow-up care
- Must be able to provide post-crisis follow-up support as assigned, including outreach and linkage to outpatient mental health, substance use, social service, and other supports
- Must be able to collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members while maintaining a clear peer role distinct from clinical functions
- Must be able to work in hospital-based psychiatric emergency care and community-based fieldwork with frequent travel
- Must be able to have frequent interaction with individuals in acute emotional distress and exposure to unpredictable environments
- Must be able to manage high-acuity situations, respond rapidly to emergent needs, and maintain professional composure
Desired 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
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