Do you have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and a passion for helping others?

Are you looking for meaningful work where your story, strength, and recovery can inspire hope and change?

This is not a CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) role, this is a unique opportunity to become a New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) and be part of a professional support network built on empathy, advocacy, and empowerment.

The Family Counseling Center of Fulton County, Inc. is seeking a Peer Support Specialist who brings lived experience and a desire to support others in their recovery journey. Whether you're already certified as a NYCPS or want to become certified, we want to hear from you.

What is a New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS)?

A NYCPS is a professional certification for individuals with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery. Certified Peer Specialists are trained to use their personal experiences to support, guide, and advocate for others on similar paths. The NYCPS credential is recognized across New York State and equips you to make a lasting impact in behavioral health care settings.

Already certified? Fantastic.

Not certified yet? No problem. If you are a great fit and meet the lived experience requirement, we will provide the training and support needed to become certified.

What You'll Do:

Provide one-on-one and group peer support using your own recovery story to inspire and empower others.
Help clients create and achieve personalized recovery goals.
Advocate for clients’ needs and connect them with essential services.
Work alongside clinical teams, offering insight and support from a peer perspective.
Assist with discharge planning and community reintegration.
Facilitate wellness and life-skills workshops.
Maintain accurate documentation through Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
Continue your learning with professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Required:

High School Diploma or GED
Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders
Willingness to pursue the NYCPS certification if not already obtained
Valid drivers license and acceptable safe driving record

Preferred:

Current NYCPS certification (New York Certified Peer Specialist)
At least 1 year of peer support or related experience
Experience in community-based or behavioral health settings
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Familiarity with recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care
EHR experience a plus

Why Join Us?

At The Family Counseling Center, we don’t just care for our clients — we care for our team. We believe that supporting our staff is essential to providing exceptional care, which is why we foster a culture rooted in compassion, collaboration, and continued growth.

As a trusted nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are proud to offer a wide spectrum of high-quality mental health and social services, with a strong emphasis on meeting the unique needs of children, families, and individuals across our community. Since our founding in response to the growing need for counseling in Fulton County, we have remained committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where both clients and staff can thrive.

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals driven by a shared mission, to empower people on their path toward emotional well-being and a brighter future. We support this mission with competitive compensation, generous benefits, and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.

What We Offer:

Employer-paid Health Insurance (Bronze level coverage)
Fully Paid Individual Dental and Vision Plans
Agency-paid Life Insurance (equal to your annual salary)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contributions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellness
Generous Paid Time Off, including a full holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match program
Ongoing Training, Education, and Staff Engagement Activities

Join a team that values your well-being as much as the well-being of the individuals we serve. At The Family Counseling Center, your work will truly make a difference, every day

Discover more about our culture and values by visiting https://www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org/why-join-us/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

What inspired you to apply for the peer role, and how do you see yourself making a positive impact in that position?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)
NY Certified Peer Specialist (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

Gloversville, NY 12078 (Required)

Work Location: In person

The Family Counseling Center

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