Peer Specialist

About the role

The Queer Supervised Release Program is operated by CJA, a not-for-profit service and research organization dedicated to reducing 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.

Responsibilities

• Support a caseload of 15–20 high-needs participants at a time, providing face-to-face, telephonic, and community Peer recovery support and advocacy.
• Establish supportive, peer-based relationships grounded in trust, mutual respect, and shared experience.
• Provide one-on-one peer mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support to program participants.
• Aid participants in identifying goals related to housing, employment, wellness, sobriety, and social connection.
• Accompany participants to court appearances, community appointments, or service referrals as needed.
• Support participants in navigating court requirements, probation/parole expectations, and community service obligations.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups focused on recovery, emotional regulation, life skills, and reentry planning.
• Collaborate with case managers and legal advocates to ensure participant needs and preferences are understood and honored.
• Participate in regular supervision, peer development meetings, and trainings related to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and justice-system navigation.
• Document participant engagement and progress in a timely manner in an electronic case management system in accordance with program guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
• Uphold 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.
• Ability to model recovery-oriented practices.
• 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.

Priorities

• 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.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $53,053
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. CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web-based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development.