Peer Mentor, Justice & Recovery Services in Staten Island, New York at Community Health Action of Staten Island

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – people with low or no income, low-income people with chronic illnesses, people with criminal justice involvement, people who use drugs, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Justice Initiatives programs provide comprehensive case management and counseling services for individuals involved with the legal system who present with substance use and/or mental health needs. These programs aim to reduce recidivism and promote recovery by facilitating access to treatment, social support, and community resources through a trauma-informed, strength-based approach.

The Part-Time Peer Mentor supports participants through outreach, engagement, accompaniment, and peer-based guidance grounded in lived experience. This role helps individuals navigate services, strengthen connection to care, and build on their recovery goals by providing trauma-informed, strength-based support both on-site and in the community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide overview of program, department, and agency services through Orientation activities;
• Accompany participants to provider sites to give support and navigation assistance;
• Co-facilitate group activities that help participants identify risky thought patterns, reduce impulsive behaviors, and build skills that support positive decision-making.
• Assist with community outreach and program promotion to inform the public of available agency resources, as needed;
• Assist the Case Manager with screening, assessment, and ongoing participant monitoring.
• May participate in weekly conferences with court personnel, RCDA, and defense attorney;
• Conduct telephone and office-based follow up with individuals to identify and address barriers to care and treatment;
• Provide phone calls to reinforce retention in care and services;
• Conduct outreach to participants to follow up on referrals and support engagement in services.
• Support timely engagement of referred individuals by conducting outreach to referrals received via email, guiding them toward appropriate services, and assisting with program enrollment in AWARDS.
• Support program coverage in court to connect with prospective participants and re-engage clients who have been rearrested and are appearing for arraignment.
• Conduct outreach to participants who miss appointments to support re-engagement and reduce barriers to participation.
• Attend and participate in staff development trainings as required;
• Actively participate in regularly scheduled supervision and attend team meetings/ huddles;
• Complete all program documentation in a timely manner;
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of the job; it is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all the job functions.

Department: Health Care Coordination

Reports To: Coordinator of Justice & Recovery Services

Location: 56 Bay Street 3rd floor, Staten Island, NY 10301

Position Status: Part-time (21hrs/week)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $17.79-$19.23 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The Peer Mentor will be a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, or HTH Peer Training Program graduate, with at least 1-year experience in a treatment, hospital, community-based organization or recovery center setting preferred.
• Candidates must have lived experience related to the population to be served; history of criminal justice involvement highly preferred.
• High school diploma or high school equivalency required.
• Additional experience in working with people having a history of homelessness, mental health diagnoses, substance use or marginalized behaviors.
• Fluent in English. Bilingual in Spanish is highly desired.
• Willing to explore, being creative and being open to new ideas in the process of problem-solving.
• Possess an understanding of community level work and the importance of collaborating and coordinating with other organizations
• Ability to identify issues, obstacles and opportunities and implement effective solutions.
• Effective communication skills, including ability to follow instructions, listen, communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.