What does our staff say about working at People USA?

“Everyone cares here. I’ve never had a situation where I felt I wasn’t heard or where I had a concern and it wasn’t taken care of. My supervisors are great. Everyone is really considerate of each other. I enjoy what I do. I enjoy being here. For the first time in my life, it never bothers me to go to work. I just love what I do. Before I came here, I had never heard of a program like this, it’s one of the best programs I’ve ever encountered. People love to come here. They are very comfortable.”
—Raquel Reed, Peer Specialist

“I was a guest here around five years ago. Instead of going to a hospital, I was introduced to the Rose House. Fast forward to now and the huge difference that I see in myself. I wanted to be able to share that with people who are going through the same things that I was going through. Now that I’ve turned all that around, I am making it my mission to help other people get out of the same situation I was in. It helps me to help other people.”
—Vincent Tozzo-Millspaugh, Peer Specialist
Available Positions
Part Time Peer Specialist for Hospital Diversion Program
The Part Time Peer Specialist staff will support the daily operations of our Rose House Crisis Respite. They provide peer support for each Rose House guest and are available to instill hope, support wellness and demonstrate that recover is real and does happen. Part Time Peer Specialists model and utilize trauma-informed techniques and tools, help guests set goals and engage in community and social events.
This position is a part time position available for up to 20 hours per week.
We are currently recruiting for the 12 am – 9 am overnight shift week days and weekends.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide support for guests during interview, intake, arrival and departure.
- Share personal experience and encourage mental health wellness and recover.
- Assist in connection to mental health services, community resources, entitlements and other services as needed.
- Model and utilize trauma-informed techniques and tools as outlined in: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, SafeTALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
- Complete all necessary Academy of Peer Services (APS) on-line learning and complete NY State Peer Specialist Certification Application.
- Transport guests to store or appointments when needed, using agency vehicle.
- Provide telephone support to peers in the community through the 24 hour peer warm line.
- Help maintain a clean, safe and secure trauma-informed environment. Some cleaning duties may be assigned.
- Manage downtime with guest wellness-focused activities and duties.
- Work cooperatively with Rose House team and maintain clear, honest and respectful communication with team members.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language and behaviors reflecting such values.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
- Understanding of available community supports.
- Workinbg knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
- Must have good time management skills and be self-directing.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- High School Diploma required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least two years in recovery from acute care environment.
- Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY State Peer Specialist Certification.
- Shared vision of hope for people experiencing crisis.
- Work or volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy or human services.
- Basic knowledge of community support services/resources.
- Completion of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training (preferred).
- Understanding of recover and wellness vs. illness-based system (preferred).
- Professional demeanor.
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
This position is a part-time position available for up to 20 hours per week.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
People USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. People USA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. People USA expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of People USA’s employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
To apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to andread@peopleusa.org
Stabilization Center – Per Diem Peer Specialist
Seeking Per Diem Peer Specialist shift coverage for two weekend 12-hour shifts. 8 am to 8 pm and 8 pm – 8 am. Peer Specialist is a member of a coalition of independent provider agencies providing peer services at Dutchess County’s Behavioral Health Stabilization Center – a walk-in center for adults or children experiencing moderate to severe emotional distress due to mental illness, substance use issues (incl. withdrawal), and other various life stressors.
We are currently seeking two per diem peer specialists to work weekend hours and be available for call-outs to provide direct peer services at the Center.
Experience as a Peer Advocate, Peer Bridger or Certified Peer Specialist is desired.
The peer specialist provides peer support for each guest and are available to instill hope, support wellness and demonstrate that recovery is real and does happen. Part Time specialists model and utilize trauma informed techniques and tools, help guests set goals and engage in community and social events.
This position is a part time position available for up to 12 hours per week in one shift.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide support for guests during interview, intake, arrival and departure.
- Share personal experience and encourage mental health wellness and recover.
- Assist in connection to mental health services, community resources, entitlements and other services as needed.
- Model and utilize trauma-informed techniques and tools as outlined in: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, SafeTALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
- Complete all necessary Academy of Peer Services (APS) on-line learning and complete NY State Peer Specialist Certification Application.
- Transport guests to store or appointments when needed, using agency vehicle.
- Provide telephone support to peers in the community through the 24 hour peer warm line.
- Help maintain a clean, safe and secure trauma-informed environment. Some cleaning duties may be assigned.
- Manage downtime with guest wellness-focused activities and duties.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language and behaviors reflecting such values.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
- Understanding of available community supports.
- Workinbg knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
- Must have good time management skills and be self-directing.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- High School Diploma required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least two years in recovery from acute care environment.
- Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY State Peer Specialist Certification.
- Shared vision of hope for people experiencing crisis.
- Work or volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy or human services.
- Basic knowledge of community support services/resources.
- Completion of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training (preferred).
- Understanding of recover and wellness vs. illness-based system (preferred).
- Professional demeanor.
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
This position is a part-time position available for up to 20 hours per week.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
People USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. People USA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. People USA expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of People USA’s employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
To apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to joleend@peopleusa.org
Full Time Reach One Recovery Specialist
The Ulster County Recovery Specialist assists individuals with psychiatric diagnoses to participate in diverse, person-centered, self-directed services and meaningful activities that promote empowerment and robust recovery. They provide direct contact, outreach, curriculum development, group facilitation, counseling, mentoring, systems navigation, community oversight and crisis support as needed. This position assists with Recovery groups at Kingston Hospital and Nights Out on a rotating basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist individuals with psychiatric diagnoses to participate in diverse, person-centered, self-directed services and meaningful activities that promote empowerment and robust recovery.
- Provide direct contact, outreach, curriculum development, group facilitation, counseling, mentoring, systems navigation, community oversight and crisis support as needed to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses.
- Deliver peer support locally at libraries, coffee shops, community centers, traditional service environments, shelters, jails, street outreach locations such as bridges and tunnels, at home, etc.
- Assist individuals with finding educational opportunities, employment, social activities and home health integration of services.
- Advocate for each person by understanding who the person is now, his/her life experiences, and his/her goals for the future. Interview those individuals hwo are of primary importance to the potential participant.
- Assist individual sin understand and creating Wellness and Recovery Action Plans (WRAPs).
- Work with participants toward their recovery goals, both individually and in group settings in various locations/environments.
- Must be cognizant of all relevant employment, educational, housing, entitlement and social supports in the community and proactively facilitate connection to these services with participants as needed.
REQUIREMENTS:
- This position requires a thorough understanding of the process and possibility of robust recovery for people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities. People with person experience as a recipient of mental health services and/or personal recovery are encouraged to apply.
- Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, professional language and behaviors reflecting such values and the independent living philosophy
- Knowledge of ADA, mental health laws and systems, Social Security Programs, Work Incentives, Entitlement Programs, supported employment, Federal/state/local services, laws and systems related to individuals with disabilities.
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
- Ability to obtain he NY State Peer Specialist Certification.
- Must have demonstrated knowledge of histories, patterns and issues contributing to Mental Health and Substance Abuse recidivism.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumer and services.
- Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
- Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekend hours.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Seeking candidates who have been recipients of mental health services and have personally navigated the mental health system.
- Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in one of the following areas: Human Services, Social Work or a related field such as Psychology or Counseling, preferred; or an Associate’s Degree with commensurate experience. High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Minimum of two years experience working with individuals with mental health diagnoses. Advocacy of two or more years, preferred.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) capabilities a plus
- Knowledge of ASL also desirable.
Compensation: Based on qualifications and experience.
This position requires the ability to work evenings and weekend hours.
Part-time position is available.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
People USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. People USA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. People USA expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of People USA’s employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
To apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to rhondag@peopleusa.org.