Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Rochester, NY

15d

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides immediate peer support at initial engagement and throughout participants’ involvement in the program. Drawing on lived experience with addiction, homelessness, and/or mental health, sustained recovery expertise, and peer training, the specialist supports participants in their recovery. The role also supports people experiencing homelessness by engaging them compassionately, reducing barriers to services, and helping them navigate housing and community resources. Training is provided in Critical Time Intervention (CTI), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Health Literacy, Narcan, Person-Centered Practices, Housing First, and Co-Occurring Disorder Integrated Care.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Self-identify as a current or former recipient of mental health, substance use, or medical services, and be willing to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to understand, support, and work from a strength-based approach.
• Professionalism in all settings.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with other service providers.
• Ability to solve complex problems creatively and consistently demonstrate dignity and respect for participants.
• Ability to de-escalate participants during crises.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model.
• One to two years of personal recovery experience.
• Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist through the Academy of Peer Services training program. Candidates who are not certified agree to complete the certification process.
• Respect for and comfort working with people experiencing mental health, medical, or substance-related crises.

Responsibilities

• Provide information about community recovery support services and help participants connect with supports they choose.
• Coordinate services and build community relationships to improve participants’ ability to access or maintain health care, insurance, and housing.
• Use identified best practices, procedures, and methods to provide peer support, Critical Time Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care to facilitate access to health services and improve participants’ health status.
• Provide support guided by the values of the Peer Model.
• Conduct street outreach with the outreach team to generate referrals to the program.
• Regularly check on the program’s crisis apartments and associated clients.
• Complete timely documentation in accordance with best-practice record-keeping guidelines.

What This Job Offers

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