Certified Peer Specialist

At Fountain House, we believe in the power of community to transform the lives of individuals with serious mental illness. Every day, thousands of members choose to come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities, and form friendships.

Fountain House has a new Young Adult Community Housing Team (YACHT) that supports 25 Young Adults (YA 18-25 years old) living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in scattered site & individual apartments in the Bronx. We offer two different program types: Community Apartment Program and Supported Apartment Program. Each program provides in-home support for residents living on their own along with supporting goals aligned with a service plan. Our program is run alongside our Clubhouse programs in Manhattan, the Bronx and in Harlem – we offer membership to our Clubhouse and community programming for residents to build skills and socialize. There is an extensive and broad range of services provided to residents that include but are not limited to the improvement of daily living skills, managing finances, maintaining safe and living conditions, furthering one's education, obtaining employment, achieving personal recovery and/or resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, preventing social isolation, connecting with effective and comprehensive behavioral health and primary care, and full community integration. The YACHT Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for delivering Peer Support as well as the other direct care services offered within the YACHT program.

Your Impact

As YACHT Certified Peer Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring members receive person-centered, trauma-informed and culturally competent services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus in their homes or their community. You will facilitate the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of recovery-oriented principles with the intention to assist individuals with initiating recovery, maintaining health and wellness, and enhancing the quality of personal life for long-term recovery.

Up to 24 hours per week

$24.68 per hour

Includes field work, including occasional evenings

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support

• Work in collaboration with YACHT staff to help residents develop skills for maintaining their housing, such as budgeting, meal planning, and household management.
• Work in partnership with community providers to resolve challenges impacting residents' ability to manage and retain supportive housing
• Escort clients to appointments as needed (i.e. medical, psychiatric, Social Security Administration, Public Assistance, and Emergency Room, etc.)
• Aid with resident move-ins and move-outs
• Strategically use their own lived experience to inspire and engage residents in their recovery

Community Engagement:

• Plan and facilitate community activities, workshops, and social outings to encourage skill building as well as connection among YACHT residents
• Help individuals connect with peer and community support networks

Goal Setting and Recovery Planning:

• Assist individuals in identifying and achieving their personal goals for housing stability, recovery, and overall well-being.

Crisis Intervention:

• Provide support during crises, helping individuals navigate challenging situations, and access appropriate resources.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain and update files according to New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) guidelines per the standards outlined by our compliance team.
• Document all services provided and write progress notes within 24-48 hours of service (monthly progress notes are due by the last day of each month)
• Participate in the facilitation of fire drills
• Attend all meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, and case conferences as assigned and required

Advocacy:

• Advocate for clients' needs, connect them with resources like healthcare and social services.
• Support residents' applications and appointments to gain and utilize social services and benefits as needed, including but not limited to social security, HRA, SNAP, etc.
• Complete tasks and special projects as assigned by Program Director related to the ongoing growth and evolution of our new housing program

Who You Are

• You have lived experience such as living with a disability, history of mental health challenges and/or substance abuse and have willingness to draw upon this experience to serve as a role model to support the recovery goals of individuals served.
• You enjoy working individuals from diverse backgrounds and exercise sensitivity in all interpersonal interactions?
• You can work independently and can conduct assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given and standard accepted practices.

What You Bring

• High School Diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• NYS Peer Certification (Provisional or Full Certification), OR NY Certified Peer Recovery Advocate (NYCRPA) Certification as well as maintaining this certification which is necessary to maintain active job status.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Social Security, and other entitlement systems.
• Ability and willingness to regularly travel using public transportation throughout the boroughs and have flexibility in hourly/weekly schedule.
• Knowledge of Social Practice or the clubhouse model is a bonus.
• 1+ year professional experience in the field preferred.

Why Join Fountain House?

• Empower Marginalized Communities – Elevate the voices of individuals with lived experience and drive real systemic change.
• Innovate in Mental Health Advocacy – Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of mental health reform.
• Professional Growth & Leadership – Access mentorship, training, and career development opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.

Join Us & Make an Impact

Be part of a movement that is transforming mental health care through research, advocacy, and community.

Fountain House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At this time Fountain House, Inc. is not able to sponsor visas

Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.