Peer Specialist - AQN

About Well Life Network

Well Life Network is a leading health and human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. Recognized as a 2023 top‑rated nonprofit, Well Life Network empowers people to overcome life’s challenges and achieve greater independence, well‑being, and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs spanning mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, housing, and employment support, all grounded in a commitment to compassionate, high‑quality care.

Central to our mission is an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within our organization and in the communities we serve.

The Peer Specialist will provide direct mental health services to recipients participating in rehabilitation and recovery services. The Peer Specialist will perform a range of tasks designed to assist recipients in regaining personal control over their lives and recovery processes. These tasks focus on facilitating the development of self‑help skills, support systems, coping strategies, increased hope and self‑esteem that are central to recovery from a psychiatric disability.

Peer Specialists model competence and the possibility of recovery.

• Participate in training, in‑services, and support activities for Peer Counselors.
• Participate in OMH approved ACT Orientations and Training.
• Teach skills to individuals and groups.
• Apply knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of various psychiatric disabilities.
• Advocate for recipients and negotiate with service providers.
• Participate in on‑site and off‑site activities with consumers.
• Escort consumers to necessary services, if appropriate.
• Travel to and from different sites and assist recipients with traveling training.
• Verbally engage and empathize with consumers based on common experiences.
• Assist consumers in identifying community supports and facilitating linkages.
• Assist consumers in planning and coordination of recreational/social activities; escort clients to these activities and/or participate in moderate physical activities as part of this task.
• Provide input into CAIRS upon admission, bi‑annually, and discharge.
• Attend and participate in all team meetings.
• Coordinate with primary clinician and primary nurse as needed between team meetings.
• Participate in supervision with Team Leader.
• Document any progress notes in EHR within 48 hours of all client and collateral contacts, as well as for status updates on any application processes.
• Participate in OMH approved/required ACT Orientations and Trainings.
• Participate in activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Report and document all incidents to immediate supervisor within 24 hours.
• Develop treatment plans with the input of other ACT team members and the consumers, if applicable.
• Coordinate case management services to ensure comprehensive development of an individual’s service plan.
• Coordinate services with other ACT Team members.
• Assist clients with case management needs; transportation to and from appointments, apply and follow up with all eligible benefits and entitlements, and any other needs deemed appropriate by the treatment team.
• Assist in the planning, developing, and implementation of goals and training to further develop participants’ skills, including but not limited to:
• Budgeting
• Grooming
• Nutritional planning
• Use of public transportation
• Use of community resources
• Shopping
• Housekeeping
• Physical health & development
• Adaptive behavior/independent living
• Nutrition
• Vocational development
• Social development

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to empathize with, relate to and effectively work with recipients of mental health services.
• Life experience with mental health or substance abuse history.
• Two years of active participation in mental health self‑help activities, peer support or peer advocacy programs, or recipient‑run organizations or similar experiences or programs.
• New York State Peer Specialist Certification, or willingness to complete…