Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources•Oswego, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is hiring a per diem Peer Specialist for its Oswego Crisis Residence Program. The program is a community-based residential setting for adults experiencing a mental health crisis, providing a therapeutic environment intended to stabilize guests and support their safe return to the community while helping reduce avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Peer Specialists draw on lived experience and recovery-oriented approaches to support guests whose challenges in daily life put them at risk of worsening symptoms that cannot be managed at home or in the community. The role uses Recovery-Oriented Services, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Intentional Peer Support. Support includes peer recovery services, health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, medication management and monitoring, and referrals and linkage. The Peer Specialist coordinates with Health Homes, hospitals, treatment providers, and community supports to develop integrated, person-centered plans of care. The position also completes required program documentation and provides coverage, including overnights as required. The crisis residences offer a home-like setting, a relaxed atmosphere, varied work hours, mentorship and entry-level experience with growth opportunities, and Peer Certification hours. The role is based in the Oswego Crisis Residence Program. Hours include evenings, weekends, and overnights. Starting pay is $20–$24 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), or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), and/or completion of all state-approved training specific to the title is preferred; 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 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 by the Office of Mental Health as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), Family Peer Advocate (FPA), or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or completion of state-approved training specific to the title.
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 guests enrolled in the Supportive Crisis Residence, 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 of support.
Provide crisis intervention and help individuals understand 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.
Provide program coverage in accordance with 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.