Peer Specialist

VNS Health Peer Specialists are living examples of the transformative power of behavioral health intervention programs and who can uniquely relate to those that would benefit from VNS Health Behavioral Health services. Peer Specialists embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility to engage and connect community members suffering from chronic mental illness, psychological trauma, or substance abuse with meaningful resources. By sharing personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insights, Peer Specialists directly help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community.

VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients’ homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, you’ll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional.

$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly

What We Provide 

• Referral bonus opportunities   
• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays 
• Health insurance plan for yond your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability  
• Employer-matched retirement saving funds 
• Personal and financial wellness programs  
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care   
• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees 
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement  
• Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities   
• Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals 

What You Will Do

• Conducts phone and field outreach to locate and enroll clients/consumers/members into programs services
• Practice regularly in the community, including traveling to patients’ homes, or schools, to engage frequently with clients. Navigate emergency situations 
• Works collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members 
• Applies mutually shared and lived experiences to build relationship and trust with the client/consumers/members
• Educates clients/consumers/members about program services, benefits, and self-help techniques. Serves as a role model, advocate and mentor.
• Escorts clients/consumers/members to appointments as needed 
• Advocates effective recovery-based services on behalf of clients/consumers/members. Assists in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals 
• Teaches symptom management and coping skills for resilience. Empowers clients to take a proactive role in their recovery journey and helps the client be an advocate for themselves 
• Reviews service plans with clients/consumers/members and their families or caregivers. Provides ongoing education, guidance, support and encouragement 
• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients/consumers/ members needs as identified in the assessment process.
• Provides navigation services to help clients/consumers/members connect with community-based services and supports 
• Documents contacts with clients/consumers/members in EMR in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards, and regulatory requirements 
• Assists clients/consumers/members with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate 
• Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned

• High school degree or equivalent required 
• Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) and/or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Certification(s) may be required 
• Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) & Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CERPA) preferred 
• Minimum of one year experience in a mental health, health care or human services setting, preferred
• Experience working with a severely mentally ill, psychological trauma, and/or substance using population, preferred 
• Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team
• Computer fluency 
• Valid New York State driver’s license, as determined by operational/regional needs
• Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs
• Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you don’t meet all criteria