Peer Navigator

Job Title: Peer Navigator
Department: Family, Education & Support Services
Reports to:  Program Manager
Location: Syracuse Office 627 West Genesee Street
Schedule: Full-time (35 hours/week; occasional evenings/weekends)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $21.00 $23.00 hourly

Position Summary: The Peer Navigator provides supportive one-on-one and group services to individuals affected by HIV, offering guidance on healthcare, medications, benefits, and community resources to help clients stay engaged in their care. As part of a federally supported initiative, this role delivers coordinated, compassionate support that strengthens trust, improves access to care, and promotes overall well-being.

Authority and Independence: The Peer Navigator works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment within established policies. The role requires maintaining confidentiality, conducting outreach/engagement, accompanying clients to appointments, and providing empathetic peer support with cultural sensitivity.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.


• Reflective of served communities (e.g., bilingual, PLWHA, African American, Latino, LGBTQ+, persons in recovery).

• Familiarity with HIV primary care, mental health, and substance use services within ACR Healths service region.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written/verbal communication and documentation skills.


• Cultural/linguistic competence; stigma-free, non-judgmental, culturally responsive services.


• Proficient in email/Microsoft Office Suite; database experience preferred.


• Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illnesses, LGBTQI+, BIPOC populations; commitment to ACR Health mission/values and HIPAA.

Other Requirements

• Personal lived experience with HIV required for empathetic peer support.

• Must be able to work occasional evenings/weekends for meetings, training, workshops, conferences and seminars.

• Valid New York State drivers license and reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance for work-related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transport (personal vehicle ownership is not required but consistent access is necessary).

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality per Article 27-F, HIPAA, ACR Health policies/regulations; protect agency data.


• Conduct outreach/engagement to connect/retain clients in care; support self-advocacy/self-management.


• Accompany clients to clinical/supportive appointments; assist NMCM interventions/education.


• Collaborate with program support staff to provide health education and coordinate holistic care.


• Assist with education group setup/facilitation; ensure client adherence to program policies.


• Coordinate community activities; communicate with AIDS Institute staff.


• Maintain accurate client records and reports; stay current on applicable program regulations and requirements.


• Attend required meetings/trainings; perform other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.


• Generous paid time off and holiday pay


• Life Insurance.


• 403(b) retirement savings plan with agency contributions.


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work Environment & Expectations: This position operates with a high level of professionalism and independent judgment under general supervision. The role requires maintaining strict confidentiality, managing outreach efforts, and delivering services with cultural humility and respect.

Disclaimer: This description reflects the primary responsibilities of the role but is not all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned to support program goals.

Salary/Compensation: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour