People USA · 1 week ago
Peer Advocate/Employment Specialist
Poughkeepsie, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$24.75/hr - $24.75/hr
1+ years expPeople USA is an organization focused on providing integrated peer support and employment services. The Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist role aims to empower individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and/or disabilities through personalized support and coaching to achieve successful employment outcomes.
ConsultingHealth CareNon Profit
Responsibilities
Maintain regular, meaningful contact with participants (minimum: 1 face-to-face and 2 indirect contacts monthly)
Facilitate recovery groups and participate in community engagement activities (e.g., Nights Out, Mixers)
Educate participants on wellness and recovery topics, including:
Peer/Self-help Resources
Trauma & Healing
Recovery from Mental Health Challenges
SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness
WRAP and wellness planning
Natural and community-based support systems
Identify and help participants overcome barriers such as stigma, lack of access to care, or unmet basic needs
Build peer relationships rooted in mutuality, empathy, and lived experience
Directly connects individuals to services and support (not just through referrals)
Advocate side-by-side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected
Document all meaningful interactions using electronic health record systems
Submit required monthly reports and attend regional or team meetings
Provide individualized job coaching and employment support based on participants’ employment goals or IEPs
Assist with:
Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews)
Job orientation and transportation planning
On-the-job support and skill development
Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors
Navigating workplace adjustments and integration
Addressing barriers to employment retention
Build and maintain relationships with local employers, housing providers, and community resources
Support participants in accessing public resources and entitlements relevant to employment
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in health or human services + 1 year of direct service experience
Associate Degree or 60 college credits + 2 years of experience
High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses
Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire
Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services
Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services
Preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge of ASL
Completion of Academy of Peer Services training
At least 2 years of advocacy experience
Company
People USA
People USA is a behavioral health organization that provides and promotes crisis response services as well as system-level reforms.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Steve Miccio
Chief Executive Officer
George Thomas MBA, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase