Peer Specialist - Peer Support Line in Riverhead, New York at Association For Mental Health And Wellness

Mission Statement: “To empower and inspire people of all communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives”.

MHAW strives to develop an authentic, diverse workforce that embraces, creates, respects and demonstrates diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the work environment, towards one another and those we serve. We recognize that our agency is strongest when we all embrace the full spectrum of diversity and experience. We actively seek to employ a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve.

Position: Peer Specialist – MHAW Peer Support Line

Salary: $18.00 per hour, nonexempt position

Hours: Per Diem – Up to 10 hours per week; Flexibility to work evenings and weekends

Location: Riverhead, NY

Start Date: Immediately

Position Description:

The MHAW Peer Support Line offers one-to-one, mutual telephone support provided by trained Peer Specialists. This is a non-clinical service grounded in trauma-informed peer support, where individuals with lived experience provide connection, understanding, and support to others navigating their own recovery.

Peer Specialists create a supportive and respectful space for individuals seeking connection, community, and self-directed support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site coverage during scheduled shifts:

• Fridays: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturdays: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sundays: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• One (1) monthly team supervision (1 hour)
• One (1) weekly supervision with direct report

• Answer incoming calls and initiate outgoing calls as requested
• Maintain and follow up on call-back lists
• Check voicemail and return calls in a timely manner
• Practice active, empathetic, and non-judgmental listening
• Offer peer support through shared understanding, respect, and mutuality
• Support individuals in exploring what is helpful to them in their recovery
• Help foster a safe and supportive environment where individuals can express a range of emotions
• Participate in outreach efforts to increase awareness and utilization of the Peer Support Line
• Contribute creative ideas and strategies to engage the community and expand reach
• Respond to emails and communications in a timely manner
• Attend and actively participate in team supervision and staff meetings

Qualifications:

This position is intended for individuals with lived experience who identify as being in recovery and are committed to supporting others through peer-based services. Candidates should possess:

• Progress toward or maintenance of New York Certified Peer Specialist-Provisional (NYCPS-P) certification
• A strong understanding of trauma-informed peer support principles
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Basic computer, reading, and writing skills
• Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License

All employees are eligible for:

• Paid Sick Time
• 403b Retirement Plan