Recovery Peers-Substance Abuse MHW BA; CRPA

The Child Center of NY strengthens children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. Founded in 1953, The Child Center of NY has become a powerful community presence throughout the city. With 50 locations and 100 programs in NYC’s most under‑served communities, our 1,000+ results‑oriented professionals make a difference for more than 40,000 children and their families each year.

The Child Center of NY is operating a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), a federally recognized model designed to provide comprehensive, person‑centered, trauma‑informed, and evidence‑based behavioral health care. CCBHCs offer a full continuum of integrated services, including mental health and substance use treatment, crisis intervention, care coordination, and peer support, ensuring accessible and holistic care for individuals and families.

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate plays a vital role in supporting individuals engaged in CCBHC services, using lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges to foster engagement, hope, and empowerment. The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate provides peer‑led interventions, assists with service navigation, and promotes recovery‑oriented practices while collaborating with clinical teams and community partners to ensure person‑centered care.

• Build supportive, trusting relationships with individuals receiving services, using lived experience to provide hope and encouragement.
• Facilitate individual and group peer support sessions to promote wellness, self‑advocacy, and resilience.
• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage individuals in recovery‑oriented care.
• Assist individuals in navigating behavioral health, medical, housing, and social service systems.
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate community resources based on individuals’ needs and goals.
• Advocate for individuals’ rights and preferences within treatment teams and external agencies.
• Support individuals in developing self‑management skills, including coping strategies, wellness planning, and crisis prevention techniques.
• Provide education on mental health, substance use, harm reduction, and recovery principles.
• Assist individuals in identifying personal strengths, setting goals, and working toward increased independence.
• Work closely with clinical providers, case managers, and other team members to integrate peer support into care plans.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide a peer perspective and support shared decision‑making.
• Serve as a role model for recovery, demonstrating professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of peer support interactions and services provided.
• Adhere to agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing training and supervision to enhance professional development.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and demonstrated recovery.
• Completion of Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and uphold principles of cultural humility.
• Basic computer skills, including documentation in electronic health records (EHR).

• Experience working in a behavioral health or social services setting.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and person‑centered recovery models.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken by the community.

The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other category protected by Federal, State or local law. EOE M/F/D/V