Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Syracuse, NY

11d • $20 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking Per Diem Peer Specialists for its Onondaga Crisis Residence Program. Crisis residences are community-based homes that provide a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing mental health crises. Peer Support Services are delivered by people with lived experience of mental health challenges, alongside crisis support staff. The program aims to stabilize guests so they can safely return to their communities and to help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The Peer Support Specialist supports people enrolled in Supportive Crisis Residence who face daily-life challenges that may cause symptoms to escalate beyond what can be managed at home or in the community. Using recovery-oriented services, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and intentional peer support, the specialist provides recovery support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, and other duties related to residence operations.

The role provides coverage according to the staffing plan, including overnights as required. Hours may include days, evenings, weekends, and overnights. The starting rate is $20.00–$24.00 per hour, depending on certification status.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Personal experience with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, or experience as the parent or primary caregiver of a child with such disorders.
• Certified or provisionally certified by the Office of Mental Health as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), Family Peer Advocate (FPA), or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or have completed the required state-approved training for the relevant title; alternatively, be willing to complete the certification process within six months of employment.
• Respect, compassion, and a high level of comfort working with people experiencing psychiatric crises.
• Ability to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills to help create and maintain an environment that promotes recovery.

Nice To Haves

• Peer certification or provisional certification, or completion of the required state-approved training for the relevant peer title.
• Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model.
• One to two years of personal recovery experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide services to Supportive Crisis Residence guests in accordance with 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, including assistance with personal care and activities of daily living, peer support, engagement, safety planning, integration of direct care and support services, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
• Provide peer support consistent with peer and recovery-oriented models.
• Provide crisis intervention and help individuals view crises differently and use wellness tools to prevent future crises or reduce their intensity.
• Work with Health Homes, hospitals, and treatment providers using a person-centered, self-directed approach to develop integrated plans of care covering mental health, physical health, substance use services, and community supports.
• Provide advocacy, peer support, referrals, and linkage services for program guests as needed.
• Provide program coverage according to the staffing plan, including overnights as required.
• Complete required documentation, including Individual Service Plans, Social Determinants of Health Assessments, Strengths and Needs Assessments, Safety Plans, Daily Progress Notes, and Discharge Summaries, within program timelines.

Benefits

• Home-like setting.
• Relaxed atmosphere.
• Variety of work hours.
• Mentorship and entry-level experience with opportunities for growth within the agency.
• Peer Certification hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED