Peer Specialist OASAS Street TeamCompany OverviewSince 1986, the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) has grown to become the largest provider of HIV/AIDS services in the borough of Queens, serving over 10,000 clients and 30,000 community residents across three sites. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other chronic conditions. We are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare and social support services at no cost to our clients. Position SummaryPeer Specialists are essential members of the Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS) Street Outreach team. Drawing from lived experience with substance use, recovery, or harm reduction, Peer Specialists conduct outreach, build trust, provide education, and assist clients with navigating services. This role emphasizes non-judgmental support, engagement, and empowerment. Key Responsibilities * Conduct daily outreach in assigned neighborhoods as part of the rotating team schedule. * Engage individuals using peer-based, trauma-informed approaches. * Provide overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, and safer-use/safe-sex education. * Share lived experience in a professional, supportive manner to build rapport. * Accompany clients to appointments and support linkage to services. * Offer emotional support, navigation, and encouragement to maintain engagement in care. * Distribute safer use kits, wound-care kits, fentanyl/xylazine test strips, and other harm reduction supplies. * Provide clients with clear education on safer practices and available resources. * Record outreach encounters and supply distribution in the agency database. * Work collaboratively with Outreach Specialist and Case Manager to provide warm hand-offs. * Participate in Peer Recovery Support training and ongoing ACQC annual trainings. * Other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or Harm Reduction Manager Qualifications * Lived or living experience with substance use, recovery, or harm reduction required. * Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification preferred or willingness to complete CPRA training. * Experience working with people who use drugs (PWUD) or marginalized communities. * Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and reliability. * Bilingual preferred English/Spanish * Must be able to convey sensitivity in a non-judgmental manner. The Peer Specialist position is a full-time, non-exempt position, based in Richmond Hill, Queens, near the E train and LIRR. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by engaging with vulnerable populations, promoting health education, and connecting individuals to essential services. ACQC offers rewarding work in a collegial environment, and comprehensive benefits, which include medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and commuter benefits. ACQC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Please forward cover letter and resume to the attention of the Harm Reduction Program Manager. Organizational RelationshipReports to the Program Supervisor or Harm Reduction Manager LocationRichmond Hill Site, Queens, NY ClassificationNon-Exempt, Full-Time Employee Salary$45,000 per year