Peer Specialist – Per Diem

Liberty Resources • Oneida, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is hiring Per Diem Peer Specialists for its Oneida Crisis Residence Program. The community-based residence provides a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing mental health crises. Peer Specialists use lived experience with mental health challenges to support residents, working alongside Crisis Support Staff and an interdisciplinary team. Services aim to stabilize crises, support residents’ safe return to the community, and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The role provides peer support and recovery-oriented services, including wellness coaching, crisis prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, and referrals and linkage to community services. Peer Specialists may work days, evenings, weekends, or overnights, and provide program coverage as reflected in the staffing plan.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Personal experience as a recipient of mental health services and willingness to share personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight with program guests.
• Respect for and a high level of comfort around 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.
• Willingness to learn and practice peer support aligned with the fidelity of the Peer Model.
• OMH Certified Peer Specialist or OASAS Certified Peer Recovery Advocate certification, or willingness to become certified within six months of hire.
• Demonstrate the values of diversity, equity, and belonging and foster an inclusive environment.

Nice To Haves

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

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 as needed and assigned by the Program Coordinator.
• Use shared experience to support clients.
• Provide recovery-oriented services incorporating Peer Support, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed and trauma-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 residents.
• Ensure the residence is maintained and clean.

Benefits

• Home-like setting.
• Relaxed atmosphere.
• Variety of work hours.
• Mentorship and entry-level experience with opportunity for growth within the agency.
• Peer certification hours offered.

What This Job Offers

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