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
Position Summary:
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:
o Peer/Self-help Resources
oTrauma & Healing
o Recovery from Mental Health Challenges
o SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness
o WRAP and wellness planning
o 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.
· 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:
o Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews)
o Job orientation and transportation planning
o On-the-job support and skill development
o Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors
o Navigating workplace adjustments and integration
o 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
Other Duties:
This description reflects general duties but may evolve. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as organizational needs change.
Reports to Director of Employment Services
