Position Summary: The Peer Specialist works within the Social Services and Special Programs Department at Southside United Los Sures to support the Bushwick Mental Health Train-the-Trainer Initiative, a resident-led effort to strengthen mental health awareness, increase access to services, and promote community-based care. Using lived experience and community relationships, the Peer Specialist engages residents, reduces stigma, connects individuals and families to resources, and supports outreach, wellness events, and future Train-the-Trainer participants.
Responsibilities:
The Peer Mental Health Specialist will support program initiatives through the following duties:
Community Outreach and Engagement
- Conduct outreach throughout Bushwick through Southside-Los Sures networks, partnerships, and community events.
- Serve as a trusted wellness ambassador promoting services and reducing stigma related to mental health and domestic violence awareness.
- Engage residents, volunteers, alumni, and community stakeholders who may benefit from services, workshops, or training opportunities.
Peer Support and Resource Navigation
- Provide peer-based emotional support and mentorship to individuals and families experiencing stress or crisis.
- Connect residents to appropriate services including mental health, anti-violence, domestic violence, and anti-poverty resources.
- Provide referrals, follow-ups, and guidance to help residents access services.
Program and Event Support
- Assist with planning and facilitating community wellness events, workshops, and healing-centered activities.
- Support event preparation, participant engagement, and collaborative initiatives connected to Los Sures programming.
Program Collaboration
- Identify residents who may participate in the Train-the-Trainer wellness ambassador initiative.
- Share insights on community needs and barriers to services with program leadership.
- Participate in supervision, training, and professional development.
Administrative Support
- Maintain documentation of outreach, referrals, and participant engagement.
- Assist with event logistics, data collection, and program reporting.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Lived experience supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, recovery, caregiving, or community-based care.
- Familiarity with the Bushwick community, including its cultures, networks, and local dynamics.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust with diverse residents.
- Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental peer support using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
- Experience in peer support, community organizing, youth development, violence prevention, or human services is preferred.
- Experience facilitating group discussions, workshops, or community circles is preferred.
- Familiarity with local mental health, housing, anti-poverty, or anti-violence resources is a plus.
- Bilingual English/Spanish or proficiency in another language commonly spoken in the Bushwick community is preferred.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends for outreach and community events.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with program staff.
SOUTHSIDE UNITED HDFC-LOS SURES MANAGEMENT COMPANY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $25.00 - $28.81 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Work Location: In person
