Peer Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Peer Specialist - Cortelyou Supportive Housing

Reports to : Program Director

Work Location : Cortelyou Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn

Hours : Full -Time - 35 Hours per week; Ability to work Afternoon and Evening hours required

Salary Range : $35,000 - $39,000

FLSA Status : Non - Exempt

Founded in 1866, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) empowers children and families to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and foster self-sufficiency in adults. With programs in 28 locations, BCS serves more than 20,000 individuals a year.

Cortelyou is a 46-unit supportive housing program located in Flatbush Brooklyn. The Program specially services young adults 18-25 years old with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness and have a chronic history of being unhoused. Most of the young adults living at Cortelyou are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Program offers a safe and affirming living environment and supportive services to help our young adults to move towards long term stability. The Peer Specialist works in collaboration with case managers to assist residents with developing their skills as it relates to medication management, maintaining personal hygiene, and overall apartment cleanliness

Responsibilities :

Partner with program staff to aid residents with budgeting, shopping, meal planning / preparation, and clean-up

Work in partnership with community providers to resolve challenges impacting residents’ ability to manage and retain supportive housing

Complete progress notes within 24 hours of individual sessions

Escort clients to appointments as instructed by Program Director (i.e. medical, psychiatric, Social Security Administration, Public Assistance, and Emergency Room, etc.)

Participate in community recreational events to increase consumer socialization skills

Link clients to peer support and self-help recovery resources

Educate residents on how to utilize public transportation

Facilitate / co-facilitate groups, as directed

Aid with coordinating resident move-ins and move-outs

Provide support services to community residents and church social programs

Participate in the facilitation of fire drills

Attend all meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, and case conferences as assigned and required Complete all tasks and special projects as assigned by Program Director

Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications Required :

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Peer specialist certification preferred

Experience serving LGBTQIA youth

Candidates must have a lived experience of homelessness,

Good written and verbal communication skills

Basic computer and data entry skills

Lived experience with a commitment to assist others in attaining recovery and wellness goals

Must undergo pre-employment screenings such as the Criminal Background Check required by OMH

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.