Peer Specialist

The role

The Peer Specialist provides non-clinical, trauma-informed, and person-centered support to individuals in the Queens Supervised Release program. This role involves building relationships, providing mentoring, and assisting participants with goals like housing, employment, and wellness.

What you will do

• Support a caseload of 15–20 high-needs participants
• Provide face-to-face, telephonic, and community peer recovery support and advocacy
• Establish supportive, peer-based relationships
• Provide one-on-one peer mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support
• Assist participants in identifying goals related to housing, employment, wellness, sobriety, and social connection
• Accompany participants to court appearances, community appointments, or service referrals
• Support participants in navigating court requirements and community service obligations
• Provide court-based Peer support upon completion of arraignment
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups
• Document participant engagement and progress in an electronic case management system

Required qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalency
• NYS Peer Specialist certification (CPS) OR Recovery Peer Advocate certification (CRPA)
• 2 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, Peer Navigator, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting
• Personal lived experience with the criminal legal system and/or recovery from substance use, mental health, or homelessness
• Ability to model recovery-oriented practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries and practice cultural humility
• Familiarity with community-based resources including housing, treatment, employment services, and legal supports
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, email, web browser and database/file management systems
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally as needed
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours
• Willingness to travel via public transportation to conduct community visits

Nice to have

• Experience working or volunteering in peer support, reentry programs, harm reduction, or behavioral health settings
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative justice principles
• Bilingual or multilingual (especially Spanish)

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan
• Four weeks vacation
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Professional learning and development opportunities

Before you apply

• Internal applicants must be at least 1 year in their current role and in good standing

About the company

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. It is the City’s main pretrial services agency.