Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources•Auburn, NY

10d

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking a passionate and motivated Per Diem Peer Specialist for its Cayuga Crisis Respite Program. The Crisis Respite homes are community-based residential programs that provide a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. Peer Specialists use their lived experience with mental health challenges to provide peer support and help guests stabilize and safely return to their communities, while supporting preventive measures to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Services include health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, and referrals and linkage. The role works alongside Crisis Support Staff and other providers to support guests’ recovery and community success. Coverage may include overnights, and staff rotate warm-line responsibilities and follow-up calls. The position is based in a home-like, community residential setting and offers varied work hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Personal experience as a recipient of mental health services and willingness to share personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit program guests.
Respect for and a high level of comfort around 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.
Willingness to learn and practice peer support aligned with the fidelity of the Peer Model.
Certified by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) as a Certified Peer Specialist or by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) as a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate, or willingness to become certified within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in the field.
One to three years of volunteer or work experience in the behavioral healthcare field.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial assessments and screenings.
Help guests view crises differently and use wellness tools to prevent future crises or reduce their intensity.
Work with Health Homes programs, hospitals, and other treatment providers to develop integrated plans of care addressing mental health, physical health, substance use, and community support services.
Provide advocacy, peer support, and referral and linkage services to program residents as needed and as assigned by the Program Coordinator.
Use shared lived experience to support clients.
Provide recovery-oriented services incorporating peer support, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed/responsive care.
Provide program coverage according to the staffing plan, including overnights as required.
Rotate warm-line responsibilities with other staff and/or make follow-up calls.
Function as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Act as a role model for program residents.
Ensure the residence is kept up and clean.