Peer Coordinator

About this role

PEER COORDINATOR
QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE PROGRAM

Posted: 8/7/2026

CJA's work seeks to reduce jail overcrowding and unnecessary detention in New York City.

Are you a certified Peer Specialist interested in assisting program participants in your community?

Are you interested in helping us implement a more person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach?

Would you like to help change how arrested individuals view the criminal justice system?

Join our team of multi-disciplined professionals!

ABOUT CJA

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 persons arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 300 employees, citywide.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Criminal Justice Agency (CJA), a non-profit organization under contract with the City of New York to provide pre-trial and research services to the courts, operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court.

The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens screens defendants charged with non-violent felony and misdemeanor offenses that present a substantial likelihood of detention. CJA screens targeted defendants for release at criminal court arraignment, subject to specific conditions including maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact with the program, participating in an assessment process to identify needs such as substance abuse and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests.

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, resourceful, service-oriented individual with lived experience and a background in providing support to high needs populations with criminal court involvement, and a commitment to helping participants avoid harmful behaviors leading to re-arrest and disconnection from community support systems.

Position Summary

The Peer Coordinator reports directly to the Peer Supervisor and supports all peer team coordination tasks and administrative duties. The Peer Coordinator is also responsible for providing holistic, person-centered support and mentorship to a team of Peer Specialists. The Peer Coordinator also facilitates internal and external wellness and recovery groups for staff and program participants. They will also serve as the direct liaison between external organizations and the peer staff when helping clients understand the benefits of referrals being made.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will report directly to the Peer Supervisor. You will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

• Provide support and mentorship to a team of Certified Peer Specialist.

• Support the Peer Supervisor with all team coordination and administrative duties, including review and assignment of Peer referrals and re-arrest/mandatory programming/weapons charges cases. The Peer Coordinator will serve as acting Peer Supervisor in the Supervisor’s absence.

• Conduct internal program chart reviews on a quarterly basis, as well as capturing data and tracking outcomes of referrals and assignments.

• Support the Peer Supervisor in the development and facilitation of evidence-based groups, training, and team-building activities to increase team engagement and development. Will also assist with the onboarding of new Peer staff.

• Assist in ensuring the team is adhering to all QSRP and agency policies and procedures

• Will be responsible for managing a small caseload of participants with complex needs requiring experienced Peer support on a case-by-case basis. Provide advocacy, outreach and engagement, referral assistance, self-help tools, recovery support, transitional support, and pre-crisis/crisis support in office, community, or virtual settings (i.e., telephonic support, video calls/chats, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS

• HS Diploma is required. Some college preferred.

• OASAS/OMH Peer Specialist Certification (either fully NYS Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) required. Those with a CPS would be expected to get CRPA within one year of hire. Those with s CRPA would be expected to get CPS within one year.

• 3 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting required. Experience providing community-based Peer support to underserved communities and populations required.

• History of lived experience in recovery and/or the criminal justice system required. As an individual who actively participates in their own recovery from mental illness and/or substance use, must be willing to appropriately and effectively utilize their recovery experience to engage and support others

• Strong knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply person-centered, recovery-oriented practices and principles

• Strong proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser and database/file management systems required

• Experience with online communication tools such as video conferencing (Teams, Zoom, etc.), chat, and collaboration software required

• Certification in Wellness and Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and Intentional…