Job Coach​/Peer Advocate

Organization:
People USA

Job Title:

Job Coach/Peer Advocate
Hourly Rate: $24.75 per hour Status:

Full-time (40 hours per week) Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

Location:

Poughkeepsie

The Job Coach & Peer Advocate 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 andparticipatein 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 connects 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 andmaintainrelationships with local employers, housing providers, and community resources.
• Support participants in accessing public resources and entitlements relevant toemployment.

• 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