Full-Time Peer Specialist

Job Summary

The Mobile Crisis Response Team provides community-based crisis response and interventions including triage, screening, assessment, referrals/linkages to appropriate care, as well as care collaboration with community providers and follow up services.

Job Duties

• Addresses referrals from law enforcement and dispatch including referrals via warm hand-offs.
• Works in collaboration with law enforcement, community providers, team members, and external partners.
• Builds peer-to-peer connections/relationships based on mutuality (shared lived experiences), empathy, and hope for recovery/wellness (peers-as-proof).
• Advocates for the participant by understanding the individual though a trauma-informed lens.
• Supports participants toward recovery goals and wellness goals related to SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
• Directly connects individuals to appropriate levels of care and community resources as appropriate.
• Triage and Screen referrals, support participants through safety planning in conjunction with MCRT clinician.
• Completes documentation according to Agency and Program policies and procedures.
• Consistently supports People USA’s mission to instill a sense of hope, empowerment, and self-determination in people living with mental health concerns that fosters a sense of recovery and a transition to wellness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standard: language and behaviors reflect such values.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
• Understanding of available community supports.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
• Good time management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and the possibility of robust recovery for people with a psychiatric diagnosis. People with personal experience as a recipient of mental health services and/or of personal recovery are encouraged to apply.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• NYS Peer Specialist Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge of histories, patterns and issues relating to mental health and substance use crisis.
• Flexibility, Resiliency, and Creative Problem-Solving.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus!

Job Qualifications

• 2+ years in recovery from acute care environments.
• Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY State Peer Specialist Certification.
• Work or Volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy, or human services.
• Crisis Services experience a plus.
• Must possess a clean and valid driver's license.

MCRT-Specific Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Physical and environmental expectations typically include the ability to:
• Stand, walk, or climb stairs during community responses, home visits, and multi-unit building engagements.
• Lift 20–30 lbs as needed (equipment bags, participant belongings, or supplies).
• Drive for extended periods while responding across Yonkers/Westchester, often with rapid redeployment between calls.
• Respond quickly in emergent or unpredictable situations, including moving safely through crowded, confined, or unstable environments.
• Sit for extended periods during documentation, case coordination, and periods of low call volume; this includes sustained computer and phone work.
• Work in varied environmental conditions, including outdoor settings, private residences, shelters, hospitals, and public spaces.
• Staff may encounter heat, cold, inclement weather, loud environments, strong odors, or settings with limited climate control.
• Tolerate exposure to high-stress or emotionally charged situations, including behavioral health crises, family conflict, or scenes with multiple responding agencies.

Reports to

Director of Mobile Crisis Response Team

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