Peer Support Specialist (NYCPS-P Required or In Progress) - Port Jefferson Station / NY

Location: Port Jefferson Station, NY (In-Person Role)

Overview

Make a meaningful difference in your community by using your lived experience to support individuals living with mental health or substance use challenges.

We are seeking Peer Support Specialists who are certified or actively completing the certification process for the NYCPS-P (Provisional Peer Specialist Certification).

To be considered, candidates must:

• Already hold the NYCPS-P or NYCPS certification, OR
• Have completed the APS 13 Core Courses and be in the process of applying for NYCPS-P.

If you are currently working toward your NYCPS-P and have completed APS, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer-led emotional support that promotes hope and resilience
• Share your lived experience (appropriately) to support others in their recovery
• Help de-escalate situations using basic crisis intervention strategies
• Assist individuals in identifying goals and building coping skills
• Connect clients to community resources, services, and recovery supports
• Collaborate with clinical teams and contribute valuable peer perspective
• Maintain accurate documentation in Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Uphold ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or supporting a loved one
• NYCPS or NYCPS-P certification, OR completion of APS 13 Core Courses with proof of progress toward NYCPS-P
• Ability to work in person in Brooklyn, NY or Staten Island, NY
• Ability to complete onboarding requirements, including background check
• Basic computer and smartphone proficiency

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Experience providing peer support, coaching, mentoring, or advocacy
• Familiarity with behavioral health or recovery concepts
• Experience working in community programs
• Previous experience with EHR systems

Schedule

• Full-time and part-time positions available
• Monday–Friday
• In-person role

Compensation

$18.00 – $21.00 per hour, depending on certification level and experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Work that makes a real impact in people’s lives
• Supportive, inclusive, mission-driven work environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Guidance and support in obtaining/advancing NYCPS certification
• Opportunities for advancement within behavioral health
• Flexible and collaborative culture

Our Mission

We believe in the transformative power of lived experience. Our mission is to uplift individuals through empathy, support, and shared understanding — helping people heal, grow, and build healthier lives.

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a High School Diploma or GED? YES / NO
• Do you have lived experience related to mental health, recovery, or supporting others?

(This can include personal experience or experience supporting a loved one. You do not need to share personal details.) YES / NO

• Do you currently hold the New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) Certification? YES / NO
• If you do not have the NYCPS certification, are you willing to obtain it as part of the job requirements? YES / NO
• Have you completed all 13 courses required by the Academy of Peer Services (APS)? YES/NO

Location:

• Port Jefferson Station, NY (Required)

Work Location: In person