Peer Bridger - Outreach & Community Engagement Specialist

Mission Statement: Baltic Street Wellness Solutions is committed to providing peer recovery, person-centered, trauma-informed, and compassionate services to those with mental health lived experience. Vision: Our vision is to drive a cultural transformation within the mental health community by advocating for the underserved, educating for change, and inspiring wellness.

We approach our role with cultural humility and mindfulness of oppressive systems. Our Core Values: We value a mentoring philosophy delivered by staff with peer-lived experiences. We value the recovery journey of every individual with a mental health diagnosis. We value the personal and professional experiences of our staff and board members.

We value community action to change societal views and break the stigma of mental health through advocacy within all systems. We value everyone's desire to have opportunities to obtain their visions of wellness. We value education and training to enhance an individual's opportunities for growth in their personal journey to self-discovery.

Position Summary

The Peer Bridger – Outreach & Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for building supportive relationships with participants while promoting engagement and connection to community resources while demonstrating patience and empathy. The ideal candidate will have experience or training in Peer Advocacy and an understanding of self-help, recovery, and peer-support principles .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: Conducting street outreach, community canvassing, and in-person engagement in shelters, hospitals, crisis centers, adult homes, and other public spaces. Participating in community events, tabling, presentations, and partnerships to raise awareness about peer-led services.

Building and maintaining positive relationships with community organizations, service providers, and stakeholder groups. Provide information on available community resources, such as housing support, benefits, healthcare, and recovery programs. Facilitate warm hand-offs to ensure smooth transitions into community-based programs or support.

Promote recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches across all interactions. Small caseload Applicants must have the ability to complete the required paperwork Lived personal experience with mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, homelessness, or related experiences. Willingness to share lived experience appropriately as a tool for connection and support.

Strong communication, listening, and relationship-building skills. Ability to work independently in the community and adapt to changing needs. Basic computer literacy for documentation. The ability to work as an effective team member is essential.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS or NYS-CPS) or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment. Some experience or training in Peer Advocacy is preferred, as well as basic knowledge of Self-Help techniques and the ability to be patient and supportive with consumers Experience with outreach, community engagement, or peer support roles.

Knowledge of local community resources and support systems. Knowledge of Community Mental Health System is a plus Bilingual or multicultural skills are a plus Internet Savvy with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel Knowledge of AWARDS/Foothold is a plus Excellent verbal and written communication Ability to be patient and supportive Ability to communicate over a multisystem phone line A Driver’s license is a plus but not required Additional Notes Other duties may be assigned by the agency, Director and/or Director of Operations Ability to conduct community outreach with other non-profit agencies or advocacy groups in the community Core Competencies Empathy & Active Listening Trauma-Informed Care Cultural Humility Strengths-Based Approach Boundary Management Community Engagement Skills Collaboration & Teamwork Flexibility and Adaptability Baltic Street Wellness Solutions will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition or religious exemption that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, an exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.