USA - Job Opportunity: Peer Specialist - Queens Supervised Release Program

USA - Job Opportunity: Peer Specialist - Queens Supervised Release Program The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is hiring a Peer Specialist to join the Queens Supervised Release Program. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals involved in the criminal justice system and have lived experience to share, this is the perfect opportunity for you! 🧠 About CJA is NYC’s leading pretrial services agency, operating in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. Their mission is to reduce jail overcrowding and unnecessary detention through person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approaches. They provide pretrial services to over 100,000 individuals annually and are committed to fairness, innovation, and equity in criminal justice reform. 🧠 Position Summary As a Peer Specialist, you’ll work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide non-clinical, peer-based support to individuals mandated to the Queens Supervised Release Program. Drawing from your own lived experience with the justice system, recovery, or reentry, you’ll help participants navigate challenges, achieve personal goals, and view the criminal justice system through a new lens. 🧠 Key Responsibilities - Provide one-on-one peer mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support - Establish trust-based relationships to foster recovery and resilience - Assist participants with goals related to housing, employment, wellness, and social connection - Accompany participants to court appearances, appointments, or service referrals - Facilitate peer-led groups focused on recovery, life skills, and reentry planning - Collaborate with case managers, behavioral health specialists, and legal advocates - Document participant engagement and progress in an electronic case management system 🧠 Required Qualifications - High School Diploma or equivalent - NYS Peer Specialist (CPS) or Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification (must be current) - 2+ years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist or similar role in Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice settings - Personal lived experience with the criminal justice system and/or recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, or homelessness - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Familiarity with community-based resources (housing, treatment, employment services) 🧠 Preferred Qualifications - Experience in peer support, reentry programs, harm reduction, or behavioral health settings - Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative justice principles - Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish preferred) 📍 Location Queens, New York City 💼 Job Type: Full-time