People USA
Base pay range
$25.00/hr - $25.00/hr
Organization:
People USA
Job Title:
Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist
Hourly Rate:
$24.75 per hour
Status:
Full-time (40 hours per week)
Work Location:
Poughkeepsie, NY
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM
The Peer Advocate & Employment 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.
Job Responsibilities Peer Advocacy & Recovery Support
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.
Employment Support & Coaching
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.
Qualifications Education & Experience (must meet one of the following)
Bachelor’s Degree in health or human services + 1 year of direct service experience
Associate Degree or 60 college credits + 2 years of experience
High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses
Additional Requirements
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
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge of ASL
Completion of Academy of Peer Services training
At least 2 years of advocacy experience
Work Environment & Conditions
Location: Community-based work (homes, shelters, hospitals, job sites), plus office settings
Travel: Up to 50% local travel within Dutchess and Ulster Counties
Schedule: Must be flexible and available for some evening and weekend hours
Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, use hands, and communicate clearly as needed
Tools: Regular use of standard office equipment and Kronos timekeeping
This description reflects general duties but may evolve. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as organizational needs change.
Reports to:
Director of Employment Services
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal
Industries: Mental Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organization:
People USA
Job Title:
Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist
Hourly Rate:
$24.75 per hour
Status:
Full-time (40 hours per week)
Work Location:
Poughkeepsie, NY
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM
The Peer Advocate & Employment 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.
Job Responsibilities Peer Advocacy & Recovery Support
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.
Employment Support & Coaching
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.
Qualifications Education & Experience (must meet one of the following)
Bachelor’s Degree in health or human services + 1 year of direct service experience
Associate Degree or 60 college credits + 2 years of experience
High School Diploma or equivalent + 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses
Additional Requirements
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
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge of ASL
Completion of Academy of Peer Services training
At least 2 years of advocacy experience
Work Environment & Conditions
Location: Community-based work (homes, shelters, hospitals, job sites), plus office settings
Travel: Up to 50% local travel within Dutchess and Ulster Counties
Schedule: Must be flexible and available for some evening and weekend hours
Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, use hands, and communicate clearly as needed
Tools: Regular use of standard office equipment and Kronos timekeeping
This description reflects general duties but may evolve. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as organizational needs change.
Reports to:
Director of Employment Services
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal
Industries: Mental Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr