Peer Specialist

VNS Health is seeking a Peer Specialist to support patients across New York City through home and community-based care. In this role, you will draw on your lived experience to provide empathetic support, help clients navigate behavioral health and social services, and reinforce treatment plans. You will collaborate with nurses, social workers, and counselors to promote recovery, independence, and community integration. The Peer Specialist documents encounters, participates in care planning, advocates for client needs, and educates patients and families about resources while upholding VNS Health's values of compassion and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support using lived experience to encourage recovery and resilience
• Assist clients in navigating behavioral health, medical, and social service systems
• Support adherence to treatment and recovery plans developed by the clinical team
• Facilitate or co-facilitate support groups and psychoeducational sessions
• Document client interactions and progress in required electronic systems
• Collaborate with nurses, social workers, and counselors on coordinated care plans
• Advocate for client needs and help reduce barriers to needed services
• Educate clients and families on community resources and coping strategies
• Promote client independence, self-advocacy, and community integration
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all ethical and compliance standards

Required Skills

• Peer counseling and support
• Behavioral health fundamentals
• Motivational interviewing basics
• Crisis de-escalation
• Care coordination
• Documentation and EHR data entry
• Knowledge of community resources
• Communication and active listening
• Boundary setting and ethics
• Cultural competence