The Peer Specialist provides engagement, support, and advocacy to individuals in community and office-based settings as part of a clinical team. Responsibilities include assisting with risk assessments, brief interventions, care coordination, and supporting individuals during crisis situations.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be eligible for or possess a New York State Office of Mental Health Peer Specialist certification and have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges. A valid NYS driver's license and proficiency in Microsoft Office are also required.
professional certificateCommunicationAdvocacyDocumentationCollaborationMicrosoft OfficeCare coordinationRecovery supportRisk assessmentCrisis interventionSafety planningBehavioral healthPeer support
BHSN is one of the region’s fastest-growing providers of whole-person care, and we are seeking passionate professionals to join our team of mission-driven changemakers.
Join Our Mission—Transform Lives with BHSN!
Your Role at BHSN
The Peer Specialist provides engagement, support, and advocacy to individuals in both community and office-based settings as a collaborative member of the clinic team. Responsibilities include assisting with risk assessments, brief interventions, care coordination, and follow-up support following crisis situations or clinical appointments.
As designated by the Program Director, this role may include training and supervising other staff. Peer Specialist are expected to demonstrate compassion, respect, and high-quality care in every interaction, in the alignment with BHSN’s core values.
Assigned programs may include, but are not limited to
Outpatient behavioral health clinics
School-based mental health services
Crisis response teams
Substance use treatment programs
Rehabilitative support services
Work Schedule
Monday -
Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with one late night until at least 6:00pm
What you’ll do
Provide peer support to individuals engaged in behavioral health or recovery services
Help identify and promote safe, inclusive community-based activities to encourage social engagement
Foster connection and trust with individuals during treatment and recovery processes
Benefits
Paid time off
Holiday pay
Community discounts
Personalized health coverage
Potential loan forgiveness
Assist in delivering evidence-based interventions, as directed by the clinical team
Support the creation and implementation of individual safety or wellness plans
Educate individuals on their rights under the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), as needed
Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, and training sessions
Maintain awareness of Crisis Team procedures, agency policies, and applicable regulations
Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards
Collaborate with the care team in planning and coordination of meetings
Engage individuals in immediate crisis to help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits or inpatient admissions
Contribute to quality assurance and performance improvement activities
Work collaboratively with other providers, rehabilitation staff, and support teams
Maintain strict confidentiality of all protected health information (PHI)
Promote client self-determination, growth, and recovery
Assist in onboarding and training of new peer staff as assigned
Maintain flexible availability to meet program needs, including evenings or weekends
Perform other duties as assigned
What you’ll bring
Must be eligible for or possess current New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Peer Specialists/Advocates certification; if not yet certified, must obtain within 90 days of employment.
To be eligible for the Peer Specialists/Advocates certification through the
New
York
State
Office of
Mental
Health (OMH), applicants must:
Be 18 years of age or older at the time application, as required by OMH credentialing standards.
Self-identify as someone with lived experience in navigating mental health, substance use, developmental, medical, or behavioral health challenges during their youth.
Have personal experience with one or more child-serving systems in New York State (i.e. foster care, juvenile justice, special education, mental health, substance use, etc.).
Must complete OMH Partnering for Safety training and CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
Proficiency in using computers, Microsoft Office
Must have a valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Personal experience with recovery-oriented services and peer support
Experience using electronic medical records systems
Why Join Us? • Comprehensive Benefits
Personalized health coverage, paid time off, and holiday pay
Real
Impact: Contribute to life-changing work in your own community
Supportive
Culture: Collaborative teams, hands-on leadership, and coaching for growth
Growth
Potential: As we expand, so do your career opportunities
Extra
Perks: Community discounts, potential loan forgiveness, and more
Compliance disclaimer
This position is subject to credentialing requirements as set forth by the New York State Office of Mental Health. These credentialing requirements are based on lived experience and may include age-specific criteria set by the certifying body. Such requirements are regulatory in nature and not set by BHSN.
Our commitment to equity
BHSN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. All applicants will be considered without regard to race (including hair texture or protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, disability, age, military or veteran status, immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
