Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Oneida, NY

11d • $20 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is hiring a Peer Specialist for its Oneida Crisis Residence Program. The crisis residence is a community-based residential program that provides a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing mental health crises. Peer Support Services are provided by people with lived experience of mental health challenges, alongside crisis support staff. The program aims to stabilize guests and support their safe return to the community while helping prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The Peer Support Specialist supports individuals whose daily-life challenges may put them at risk of escalating symptoms that cannot 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 operational support for the residence. Coverage includes evenings, weekends, and overnights as required. The position pays $20–$24 per hour, depending on certification status.

Requirements

• Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting; one to two years of personal recovery experience is preferred.
• Personal experience receiving mental health services and willingness to share practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insight with program guests.
• OMH Certified Peer Specialist certification, or willingness to complete the certification process within six months of employment.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Respect, compassion, and a high level of comfort working with people experiencing psychiatric crisis.
• Ability to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills to help create and maintain an environment that promotes recovery.
• Ability to understand, support, and operate from a strength-based, recovery-oriented model.
• Professional conduct in all settings and ability to build relationships and collaborate with other service providers.
• Ability to solve complex problems creatively and consistently demonstrate dignity and respect for peers.
• Ability to de-escalate during a crisis.

Nice To Haves

• Behavioral health or related work experience, preferably using the recovery model.
• One to two years of personal recovery experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide required services to Supportive Crisis Residence guests under 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, including personal care and activities of daily living, peer support, engagement, safety planning, integrated direct care and support, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
• Deliver 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 to program guests as needed.
• Cover the program according to the staffing plan, including overnights as required.
• Complete required documentation within program timelines, including Individual Service Plans, Social Determinants of Health Assessments, Strengths and Needs Assessments, Safety Plans, Daily Progress Notes, and Discharge Summaries.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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