Peer Engagement Specialist (Staten Island YMCA Counseling Service)

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Staten Island YMCA Counseling Service is seeking a Peer Engagement Specialist who will assist with the continuity of care for new admissions, high-risk clients, and clients identified as needing more intense structure as a part of their treatment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing outreach via telephone or face-to-face to clients who are in the admissions process to assist with engagement and retention.
• Assisting clients with obtaining entitlements, i.e., Insurance, Public Assistance, vocational services, etc.
• Collaboratively working with Counselors to assist clients in obtaining goals and objectives for treatment plans.
• Facilitate “Peer to Peer” support groups.
• Facilitate family support groups and services.
• Attend and organize community outreach presentations and events, including but not limited to attending outreach events/fairs, networking meetings, and participating in coalition meetings as a representative of the agency.
• Respond to Youth First calls within the community and provide support, guidance, and education to the families.
• Participate in Case Conference meetings.
• Assist with drug screenings.
• Maintain required documentation.
• Provide off-site services to clients where indicated in order to assist with retention.
• Assist with referrals for individuals who are in need of alternative levels of treatment.
• Manage Prospect Tracking Forms for potential clients.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with clients recovering from substance use.
• Recovery Coach Certification required; Peer Certification CRPA training certificate preferred.
• Must be willing to travel within the Community.

Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.