Peer Specialist

Join to apply for the Peer Specialist role at New York City Criminal Justice Agency

Posted: 12/29/2025

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA provides pretrial services to over 100,000 persons arrested annually in New York City, operating across the 5 boroughs and employing more than 300 staff citywide.

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court that screens targeted court‑involved individuals for release at criminal court arraignment. Participants must maintain face‑to‑face or telephonic contact, complete assessments for substance use and mental health, and comply with court appearances and re‑arrests monitoring.

Under the supervision of a Peer Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides trauma‑informed, person‑centered support to individuals mandated to participate in the Queens Supervised Release program. Drawing upon personal experience with the justice system and recovery, the PSS builds authentic relationships that foster trust, engagement, and personal growth. The PSS works collaboratively with case managers, clinicians, housing specialists, and legal partners to reduce recidivism and support client success.

• Support a caseload of 15–20 high‑needs participants (serious mental illness, substance use, homelessness) through face‑to‑face, telephonic, and community peer recovery support and advocacy.
• Establish supportive, peer‑based relationships grounded in trust, mutual respect, and shared experience.
• Provide one‑on‑one peer mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support to program participants.
• Assist participants in identifying goals related to housing, employment, wellness, sobriety, and social connection.
• Accompany participants to court appearances, community appointments, or service referrals as needed.
• Support participants in navigating court requirements, probation/parole expectations, and community service obligations.
• Provide court‑based Peer support to participants upon completion of arraignment, identifying immediate needs or concerns, and facilitating immediate connections to community‑based services.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate peer‑led groups focused on recovery, emotional regulation, life skills, and reentry planning.
• Collaborate with case managers and legal advocates to ensure participant needs and preferences are understood and honored.
• Participate in regular supervision, peer development meetings, and trainings related to harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, and justice‑system navigation.
• Document participant engagement and progress in a timely manner in an electronic case management system in accordance with program guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
• Uphold ethical guidelines, competencies, and boundaries appropriate to peer support roles.

• HS Diploma or equivalency required.
• NYS Peer Specialist certification (CPS) OR Recovery Peer Advocate certification (CRPA) required. Certification must be maintained and kept current while employed in this position.
• 2 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, Peer Navigator, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting required.
• Personal lived experience with the criminal legal system and/or recovery from substance use, mental health, or homelessness.
• Ability to model recovery‑oriented practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and practice cultural humility.
• Familiarity with community‑based resources including housing, treatment, employment services, and legal supports.
• Proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser and database/file management systems required.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally as needed.

• Experience working or volunteering in peer support, reentry programs, harm reduction, or behavioral health settings.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed…