Community Living Peer Specialist

Organization Summary

Hands Across Long Island, Inc. (HALI) is a non-profit, peer-run mental health agency providing advocacy and support to people experiencing trauma, mental health, and co-occurring life challenges. HALI provides a collaborative, flexible, and supportive work environment, along with a competitive benefits package.

Job Summary/Objective

The Community Living Peer Specialist is a key member of the Supported Housing team. This is an opportunity to build trusted relationships with people who live in independent HALI housing and assist those who may want or need extra supports thriving in and connecting to their community. This role includes traveling to tenant homes, engaging in household management activities, and connecting tenants with opportunities to participate in the community. The Community Living Peer Specialist reports to the Housing Peer Supervisor.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with housing participants by accompanying Housing Advocates on visits and sharing personal stories of recovery as appropriate
• Engage in activities with participants that help “make a house feel like a home”
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing to communicate the effect of our environment on our wellness and its effect on our ability to maintain stable housing
• As needed, engage in household management activities with program participants, combining a “do” and “show” approach (tenants required to support process).
• Support with household budgeting, meal planning, shopping, and cooking
• Support the design of team agreements to divvy up tasks among housemates
• Support with decorating, gardening, cleaning, organizing, laundry, purging of belongings
• Work with tenants to make community participation linkages (using local libraries and shops, creating positive relationships with neighbors, connecting to volunteer or employment opportunities)
• Attend housing team meetings and work very collaboratively as part of a team

Required Education/Certifications/Experience:

• Have or be working toward NYS Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or CPS-P; NYS Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or CRPA-P; or Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) credential
• At least one year of experience working in mental health and/or housing system
• Self-identification as a person who has experienced trauma, mental health, or substance use challenges
• Lived experience as a participant in supported housing is preferred
• Computer experience required, experience with Electronic Health Records a plus
• Ability to engage and build trusted relationships characterized by mutual respect
• Valid, NYS Driver’s License (HALI vehicle provided for travel to and from housing sites)

Work Location: Central Islip, NY with local travel to designated sites

Work Hours/Schedule: Full time, 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm

Pay: $50,000- $55,000 yearly

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Term Life/AD&D/Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Pet Insurance, Identity Theft, 403(b) with Matching, Paid Time Off (PTO)

At HALI, we are committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusivity in all aspects of our operations. We firmly believe that diversity enriches our Agency’s culture, fuels innovation, and leads to employee and participant empowerment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to all employees, participants, and the community.

Hands Across Long Island is an equal opportunity employer, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws.

Posted On: May 13, 2024