PEER NAVIGATOR

Job Description: Peer Navigator

Organization: W.A.R.M. (We All Really Matter)

Department: Programs & Services

Reports To: Peer Navigator Supervisor / Director of Programs

Location: Harlem, NY

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Position Summary

The Peer Navigator provides survivor-centered mentorship, advocacy, and direct support to individuals impacted by domestic violence. Grounded in lived experience and trauma-informed practice, the Peer Navigator supports survivors in navigating safety planning, legal systems, housing, public benefits, and access to wellness supports. This role operates within W.A.R.M.’s holistic healing ecosystem and emphasizes empowerment, survivor choice, accountability, and long-term stability.

Core Responsibilities

Client Support & Advocacy

• Serve as a primary point of contact for new survivor referrals
• Provide trauma-informed emotional support, active listening, and crisis de-escalation
• Assist survivors with individualized safety planning and transition planning
• Explain survivor rights related to domestic violence, housing, legal protections, and public benefits
• Support survivors through separation, relocation, and stabilization processes
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and cultural humility

Legal, Court & Systems Advocacy

• Accompany and advocate for survivors in Family Court and other legal proceedings
• Assist with Orders of Protection, legal petitions, and court documentation
• Attend ACS meetings and multidisciplinary case conferences as a survivor advocate
• Coordinate with courts, law enforcement, and city agencies
• Provide court and agency escorts to support survivor safety and emotional stability

Housing & Benefits Navigation

• Assist survivors with housing applications including CityFHEPS, NYCHA, HAVP, and shelter systems
• Support shelter entry, transfers, exits, and permanent housing placements
• Assist with lease-ups and housing transition processes
• Support applications for SNAP, Cash Assistance, Medicaid, and related benefits
• Advocate with landlords, brokers, housing specialists, and shelter staff as appropriate

Crisis Response & Safety Support (Episodic & Supervised)

• Respond to domestic violence, housing, or safety-related crises on an episodic, case-by-case basis, in alignment with organizational protocols
• Participate in time-limited crisis response and emergency safety planning as situations arise
• Support safe, planned removal of personal belongings when safety planning requires it
• Provide short-term safety escorts and stabilization support as appropriate
• Engage in supervision, debriefing, and documentation following crisis involvement

Crisis response is situational, not constant, and is supported through supervision and team coordination.

Wellness & Holistic Services

• Introduce and explain available wellness and counseling supports as part of survivor-led healing plans
• Refer survivors to W.A.R.M.’s Holistic Wellness Center and approved partner providers
• Coordinate referrals for trauma-informed wellness modalities, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage, EMDR, IFS, and somatic-based supports, based on survivor interest and appropriateness
• Encourage survivor engagement in grounding, self-care, and empowerment practices without coercion
• Conduct appropriate follow-up to support continuity of wellness services while respecting survivor autonomy

Material & Basic Needs Support

• Distribute food, clothing, hygiene items, and infant supplies in accordance with program guidelines
• Assist with transportation support and document distributions as required
• Connect survivors to food pantries and community-based resources

Community Engagement, Documentation & Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in community outreach events and represent W.A.R.M. at public engagements
• Support peer-led support circles and empowerment groups
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes and service documentation
• Track outcomes tied to service delivery for internal reporting, audits, and funder requirements
• Participate in supervision, trainings, and case reviews
• Adhere to organizational policies, confidentiality standards, and trauma-informed best practices

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and survivor service systems
• Strong interpersonal, written, and crisis-response skills
• Strong documentation, organization, and boundary-setting abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and data systems

Preferred:

• Lived experience as a survivor of domestic or gender-based violence (encouraged)
• 1–3 years of peer support, advocacy, or direct service experience
• Familiarity with NYC housing, court, and public benefits systems
• Bilingual (Spanish or French Creole preferred)

Equal Opportunity Statement

W.A.R.M. (We All Really Matter) is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, trauma-informed, and survivor-affirming workplace. Survivors of domestic violence and individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.