Peer Specialist

About the role

CJA's work seeks to reduce jail overcrowding and unnecessary detention in New York City. This role is ideal for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual with experience in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional, or developmental challenges.

Responsibilities

• Supports a caseload of 15–20 high-needs participants at a time, providing face-to-face, telephonic, and community Peer recovery support and advocacy.
• Builds authentic relationships that foster trust, engagement, and personal growth.
• Provides one-on-one peer mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support to program participants.
• Affords participants in identifying goals related to housing, employment, wellness, sobriety, and social connection.
• Accompanies participants to court appearances, community appointments, or service referrals as needed.
• Supports participants in navigating court requirements, probation/parole expectations, and community service obligations.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates peer-led groups focused on recovery, emotional regulation, life skills, and reentry planning.
• Collaborates with case managers and legal advocates to ensure participant needs and preferences are understood and honored.
• Documents participant engagement and progress in a timely manner in an electronic case management system in accordance with program guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
• Upholds ethical guidelines, competencies, and boundaries appropriate to peer support roles.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• NYS Peer Specialist certification (CPS) OR Recovery Peer Advocate certification (CRPA) required. Certification must be maintained and kept current while employed in this position.
• 2 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, Peer Navigator, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting required.
• Personal lived experience with the criminal legal system and/or recovery from substance use, mental health, or homelessness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and practice cultural humility.
• Familiarity with community-based resources including housing, treatment, employment services, and legal supports.
• Proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser and database/file management systems required.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working or volunteering in peer support, reentry programs, harm reduction, or behavioral health settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative justice principles.
• Bilingual or multilingual (especially Spanish, if applicable to your region).

Working Conditions

This role involves a combination of office, community, and courtroom settings. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required. Peer Support Specialists must be able to model wellness and uphold recovery principles in challenging environments.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people who have been impacted by the justice system, are in recovery, or identify as part of historically marginalized communities.

Terms and Conditions

• The successful candidate will possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, and experiences:
• Familiarity with Pretrial/Supervised Release, Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models.
• Working knowledge of community-based treatment programs (substance use, mental health, etc.) and other support services and resources (housing, education, employment, vocational, etc.).
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in compliance with agency and state guidelines.
• Mandatory to be able to assume responsibilities that are both remote and on-site, in accordance with CJA policy at the time of hire.

Salary and Benefits

• SALARY: $55,000
• BENEFITS: CJA offers a very generous benefits plan including health, dental, and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health, and wellness (EAP) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.