Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc.•Oneida, NY

11d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking a per diem Peer Specialist for its Oneida Crisis Residence Program. The Crisis Residence is a community-based residential program offering a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. The Peer Specialist supports guests whose daily-life challenges create a risk of escalating symptoms that cannot be managed in their home and community environment. Using recovery-oriented services, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and intentional peer support, the specialist helps guests stabilize and prepare for a safe return to their communities, while supporting prevention of unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The role includes recovery support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, advocacy, and referrals and linkages. The specialist collaborates with Health Homes, hospitals, and treatment providers to develop integrated, person-centered plans of care. Coverage is provided according to the staffing plan, including overnights as required, and the specialist completes required program documentation. The position offers a home-like setting, a relaxed atmosphere, varied work hours, mentorship and entry-level experience with growth opportunities, and Peer Certification hours. 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), and/or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or completion of all required State-approved training for the relevant title; otherwise, willingness to complete the certification process within six months of employment is required.
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 required State-approved training, is preferred.
Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting is preferred.
Experience using the recovery model and one to two years of personal recovery experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide services to Supportive Crisis Residence guests, 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 reframe crises and use wellness tools to prevent future crises or reduce their intensity.
Collaborate with Health Homes, hospitals, and treatment providers to develop integrated, person-centered and self-directed plans of care addressing 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.
Provide recovery support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, and conflict resolution.