• Peer Specialist - Clinic

    Rise Life Services (Riverhead, NY)


    Peer Specialist - Clinic

    Job Details

    Job Location

     

    Elevations Clinic - RIVERHEAD, NY

    Position Type

    Part Time

    Education Level

    High School

     

    Salary Range

     

    $20.00 - $22.00 Hourly

     

    Job Shift

     

    Day

     

    Job Category

     

    Health Care

    Description

    GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

    The Peer Support Specialist (Dual Role) provides person-centered, recovery-oriented support within a licensed behavioral health clinic. This unique position splits time between front-end reception duties and dedicated peer support hours in a therapy room setting.

     

    The Peer uses lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery to offer supportive services that promote hope, self-advocacy, and connection. Working closely with the Front End Supervisor (FPA-C) and clinical staff, the Peer identifies clients who may benefit from support — including those who have disengaged from services or who are actively engaged but could benefit from additional connection. Based on client interest, the Peer may also facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups. This is a dual role, acting as a backup to the full-time receptionist, but not primarily responsible for medical office administrative tasks.

    KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

    Reception Support & Client Identification

     

    + Greet clients and visitors with professionalism, empathy, and respect while working scheduled hours at the front desk.

    + Assist with basic reception tasks (check-in/check-out, phone coverage) as a backup to the full-time receptionist.

    + Observe client interactions and collaborate with providers to identify individuals who may benefit from peer support.

     

    Collaboration with Providers

     

    + Work directly with Clinical Therapists, Psychiatric NPs to:

    + Identify clients who have disengaged and require outreach

    + Identify actively engaged clients who may benefit from peer support for additional motivation or connection

    + Participate in warm hand-offs or joint meetings when appropriate to support client engagement.

     

    Peer Support Services (Individual & Group)

     

    + Provide billable 1:1 peer support services during daily scheduled hours in a designated therapy room.

    + Support clients in developing recovery goals, navigating services, improving self-management, and reconnecting with care.

    + Use lived experience to foster hope, validation, and mutual understanding in a non-clinical capacity.

    + Based on client need and interest, facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups, such as:

    + Recovery check-ins

    + Wellness planning

    + Coping skills

    + Psychoeducation

     

    Outreach & Reengagement

     

    + Conduct outreach to clients who have missed appointments or disengaged from services, using phone calls, EMR messaging, or other approved methods.

    + Coordinate with providers to reengage clients and assist in scheduling or service connection.

     

    Documentation & Compliance

     

    + Accurately document all peer support services and outreach activities in the EMR (e.g., eClinicalWorks), following agency and payer requirements.

    + Maintain compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and ethical peer support practices.

     

    Compliance & Confidentiality

     

    + Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA regulations and client confidentiality protocols

    + Accurately manage and update records in both electronic and physical formats

    + Support consistent and organized clinic operations through reliable documentation and communication

    PEER SUPPORT VALUES:

    This position is grounded in the core principles of peer support, including:

    + Recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice

    + Mutuality and shared experience

    + Respect for client autonomy and self-direction

    + Empowerment, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity

    SUPERVISION :

    This position reports to the Front-End Supervisor (FPA-C) and receives functional coordination with clinical providers for client support activities.

    QUALIFICATIONS :

    Education & Experience

     

    + High School Diploma or equivalent (required)

    + Lived experience with mental health treatment

    + Provisional Peer Specialist Certification and hours towards profession certification withing the requirements of the credentials.

    + Prior experience in behavioral health or peer support settings preferred

    + Familiarity with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems (e.g., eClinicalWorks) preferred

     

    Skills & Requirements

     

    + Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural humility

    + Ability to maintain healthy boundaries and operate within the peer role (non-clinical)

    + Proficient in basic computer systems (Microsoft Office, email, EMR)

    + Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team

    + Ability to lead or co-lead structured peer groups

    + Valid NYS Driver’s License

    + Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) is a plus