Peer Specialist

Brooklyn Community Service (BCS)

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 serves 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 move toward 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.

Reports to: Program Director

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

• 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 (e.g., medical, psychiatric, Social Security Administration, Public Assistance, and Emergency Room)
• 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
• 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

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• 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.