Outreach Certified Peer Specialist- Perinatal and Postpartum

Overview

The Certified Peer Perinatal & Postpartum Specialist provides compassionate, recovery-oriented peer support to pregnant and postpartum individuals receiving CCBHC services. Using lived experience and trauma-informed care, the Specialist promotes hope, wellness, empowerment, and self-determination; connects individuals with community resources; supports engagement in care and appointment follow-up; and helps individuals navigate barriers and strengthen their support systems. The role includes collaboration with the treatment team, documentation, quality improvement activities, and community-based services while maintaining professional and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Inspire Hope: Welcome individuals into care with warmth, compassion, and the belief that recovery is possible.
• Promote Empowerment & Self-Determination: Support individuals in setting and achieving their personal recovery goals.
• Model Recovery: Use your own lived experience to foster a recovery mindset and demonstrate what is possible.
• Build Meaningful Relationships: Establish mutual, respectful, and trusting partnerships.
• Provide Strength-Based Support: Help individuals identify and build on their personal strengths and life skills.
• Encourage Community Integration: Support individuals in accessing community resources and building meaningful connections.
• Provide compassionate, recovery-oriented peer support to pregnant and postpartum individuals receiving services through Access Supports for Living’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Using lived experience, trauma-informed care, and recovery principles, the Peer Specialist empowers individuals throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum by promoting hope, wellness, engagement, and self-determination.
• Resource Connector: Guide individuals toward community supports and services.
• Ally & Confidant: Offer nonjudgmental listening and shared experiences.
• Mentor & Role Model: Help others envision and navigate their own recovery paths.
• Problem Solver & Planner: Assist with identifying barriers and exploring strategies to overcome them.
• Educator & Tour Guide: Introduce individuals to the principles of recovery, including stages, tools, and culture.
• Work in the community, clinic, and client homes as appropriate.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Document services according to CCBHC standards.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Support crisis prevention through early engagement and connection to services.
• Assist with appointment reminders and follow-up contacts.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to maternal behavioral health.
• Provide additional support to the program when needed.
• Community-based travel throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery oriented perinatal & postnatal.
• Experience overcoming life challenges while coping with a behavioral health condition.
• New York State Peer Certification or Provisional Certification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends as scheduled.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working with pregnant or postpartum populations preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and maternal support services preferred.
• Drivers license required.

Education and Experience

• Peer support experience in a behavioral health or recovery setting.
• Knowledge of local community resources and recovery-oriented supports.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.

Physical Characteristics

• Must be capable of accessing all rooms and operational levels within multi-story community facilities and residential structures.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Navigating tight spaces.
• Occasional lifting (such as carrying a backpack, laptop, or program materials).
• Able to work in open space floor plan.
• Must be capable to move throughout work day.
• Occasional lifting of > 25+ pounds.

Location

Poughkeepsie, NY

Hours

M-F 9:30 am to 6 pm

Pay

$25 (Provisional) / $28 (Full)