Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Auburn, NY

10d • $20 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking Per Diem Peer Specialists for its Cayuga Crisis Residence Program. The crisis residences are community-based programs that provide a therapeutic setting for adults experiencing mental health crises. Peer Specialists draw on lived experience to support guests as they work toward stabilization and a safe return to their communities, while helping reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Using recovery-oriented services, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and intentional peer support, the Peer Specialist supports guests facing challenges that may increase the risk of escalating symptoms. Services include recovery support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, and linkages. The role also contributes to the day-to-day operation of the Supportive Crisis Residence and includes completing required service documentation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or 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.
• Be 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 required state-approved training for the applicable 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 crisis.
• Ability to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills to help create and maintain an environment that promotes recovery.

Nice To Haves

• Certification or provisional certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), Family Peer Advocate (FPA), or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or completion of required state-approved training.
• Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model.
• One to two years of personal recovery experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide required services to Supportive Crisis Residence guests, including assistance with personal care and activities of daily living, peer support, engagement, safety planning, direct care and support services, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
• Provide peer support in accordance with peer and recovery-oriented models.
• Provide crisis intervention and help guests view crises differently and use wellness tools to prevent future crises or reduce their intensity.
• Work with Health Homes, hospitals, and treatment providers to develop integrated, person-centered and self-directed plans of care covering mental health, physical health, substance use services, and community supports.
• Provide advocacy, peer support, referrals, and linkage services for 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 in the agency.
• Peer certification hours.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED