Peer Advocate​/Employment Specialist

Organization: People USA

Job Title: Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist

Hourly Rate: $24.75 per hour

Status: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Poughkeepsie

Employment and Recovery Specialist provides integrated peer support and employment services to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and/or disabilities. Drawing on lived experience and professional training, this role promotes personal empowerment, recovery, and successful employment outcomes. Services are person‑centered, strengths‑based, and delivered across various community settings such as homes, hospitals, shelters, libraries, job sites, and peer‑run spaces.

• Maintain regular, meaningful contact with participants (minimum: 1 face‑to‑face and 2 indirect contacts monthly).
• Facilitate recovery groups and participate in community engagement activities (e.g., Nights Out, Mixers).
• Educate participants on wellness and recovery topics, including:
  • Peer/Self‑help Resources
  • Trauma & Healing
  • Recovery from Mental Health Challenges
  • SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness, WRAP, and wellness planning
  • Natural and community-based support systems
• Identify and help participants overcome barriers such as stigma, lack of access to care, or unmet basic needs.
• Build peer relationships rooted in mutuality, empathy, and lived experience.
• Directly connect individuals to services and support (not just through referrals).
• Advocate side‑by‑side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected.
• Document all meaningful interactions using electronic health record systems.
• Submit required monthly reports and attend regional or team meetings.
• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support based on participants’ employment goals or IEPs.
• Assist with:
  • Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews)
  • Job orientation and transportation planning
  • On‑the‑job support and skill development
  • Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors
  • Navigating workplace adjustments and integration
  • Addressing barriers to employment retention
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, housing providers, and community resources.
• Support participants in accessing public resources and entitlements relevant to employment.

• Education & Experience (must meet one of the following):
  High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses.

• Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services.
• Must have a clean and valid driver’s license.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of ASL
  • Completion of Academy of Peer Services training
  • At least 2 years of advocacy experience

This description reflects general duties but may evolve. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as organizational needs change.

Reports to: Director of Employment Services