Peer Bridger | Mental Health

Description

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency is looking for a full-time Peer Bridger on the grounds of Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. Under the supervision of the Hospital Center Manager the Peer Bridger provides individualized peer support, discharge planning assistance, and community integration follow-up to individuals transitioning from State Psychiatric Hospitals into the community. Using their lived experience the Peer Bridger helps individuals identify hopes and goals, overcome barriers to discharge, and connect to supports that promote independence and wellness. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Collaborate with hospital discharge planners, social workers, and treatment teams to identify and address barriers to community reintegration.
• Promote empowerment and self-advocacy by sharing recovery tools such as WRAP, Advance Directives, and wellness planning resources.
• Facilitate linkages to housing, benefits, outpatient services, peer-run programs, and community wellness centers.
• Provide follow-up peer support post-discharge (via phone, community visits, or meetings at community sites) to support engagement and stability.

 Full-time | Benefit Eligible (Medical, free DMO dental & free vision) including 6 weeks PTO & 11 Holidays 

Requirements

• Associate’s degree with 1 year of experience in the mental health system or
• High School Diploma / GED with at least 2 years of experience in the field.
• Preferred Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or equivalent peer certification.
• Demonstrated experience in mental health recovery and willingness to use personal lived experience to support others.
• Experience working with individuals transitioning from psychiatric hospitals or other institutional settings.
• Knowledge of housing, benefits, and outpatient service systems.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Proficient in MS Office products as well as general computer literacy. 
• Proven ability to engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses using empathy, professionalism, and trauma-informed practices.
• Bilingual skills are a plus!
• Valid NJ Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Lived Experience: CSPNJ prioritizes hiring individuals who use their personal experience with mental health diagnoses or substance use to inspire, support, and empower others.