Certified Peer Specialist - Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) - Community Support Program

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.

Scope of Position: The Certified Peer Specialist is an essential member of the Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) Team, using their lived experience to support adults with complex needs, including unstable housing, unclear mental health diagnoses, and/or involvement with the criminal-legal system. Many of these individuals have been underserved or excluded by traditional service systems. Through peer-based engagement, the Certified Peer Specialist helps participants identify and overcome barriers to community integration, building trust, connection, and validation in partnership with community providers and natural supports. Clients often have histories of trauma, homelessness, incarceration, and psychiatric hospitalization, and are primarily people of color affected by systemic racism. This field-based role requires flexibility, as services are delivered where clients live and spend their time. While standard hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, some evening and weekend availability is expected, along with participation in a rotating schedule for 24/7 crisis intervention coverage.

Essential Position Functions:

• Build relationships with program recipients and their support networks to promote the person's recovery.
• Assist individuals in navigating service systems, including behavioral and medical health care, the criminal-legal system, the shelter system, entitlements, and transportation.
• Practice according to the principles of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed service delivery.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Participate in team meetings, including high-risk case discussions.
• Conduct individual sessions with program participants to address issues that have served as barriers to independence.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Willingness to share personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to support program participants.
• Must be currently certified as a Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, or obtain certification within one year of hire as a contingency of employment.

The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer