Peer Specialist

Overview

Brooklyn Community Services (inc) offers career opportunities. Founded in 1866, 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 serves young adults 18-25 years old with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness who have a chronic history of being unhoused. Most residents are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The program offers a safe and affirming living environment and supportive services to help residents achieve long-term stability. The Peer Specialist works in collaboration with case managers to assist residents with developing skills related to medication management, maintaining personal hygiene, and overall apartment cleanliness.

• 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
• 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.