Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Oswego, NY

7d • $20 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking a per diem Peer Specialist for its Oswego Crisis Residence Program. The community-based residence provides a therapeutic setting for adults experiencing mental health crises, with the goal of stabilizing guests so they can safely return to their communities and reducing avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The Peer Specialist supports people enrolled in the Supportive Crisis Residence who are facing daily-life challenges that may escalate symptoms beyond what can 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 support related to residence operations.

The role works with guests and community providers to support person-centered plans addressing mental and physical health, substance use services, and community support needs. Coverage includes evenings, weekends, and overnights as required by the staffing plan. The starting rate 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 these disorders.
• Certified or provisionally certified by the Office of Mental Health as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), Family Peer Advocate (FPA), Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or a peer specialist who has completed the required state-approved training for their title; alternatively, must 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 crises.
• 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 the required state-approved training for the applicable 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 Supportive Crisis Residence guests under 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, 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 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 addressing mental health, physical health, substance use services, and community supports.
• Provide advocacy, peer support, referrals, and linkage services for 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.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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