Peer Specialist - Recovery Center

Helio Health • City of Syracuse, NY

1d

About The Position

Helio Health is seeking a Peer Specialist to support individuals in recovery as they regain independence in their communities, sustain their recovery, and improve their overall health. The role is based at Helio Health’s Recovery Center and is full-time. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday are off. Compensation is $20 per hour. Full-time hires are eligible for a sign-on incentive of $1,500–$3,000, depending on licensure.

The Peer Specialist helps people develop person-centered recovery plans, connect with community resources and support services, build coping and problem-solving skills, and access formal recovery supports. The role may include non-clinical crisis support, accompaniment to appointments or court, recovery education, record keeping, consultation with professionals, and participation in program and quality assurance activities. A Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) also draws on recovery experience to support individuals’ goals, recovery planning, self-advocacy, and engagement with recovery-focused groups and resources.

Helio Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance with dental and vision coverage for employees and families, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with up to a 5% company match, company-paid short-term disability insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Obtain Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification within six months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Valid New York State driver’s license.
• Must be able to convey empathy through lived experiences, such as experiences involving family or close friends; the individual does not need to be in recovery personally.

Nice To Haves

• One year of health or human services experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with individuals to develop person-centered recovery plans.
• Link patients to social and other support services in the community.
• Teach individuals and family members coping skills.
• Support applications for benefits.
• Provide non-clinical crisis support after periods of hospitalization or incarceration.
• Accompany individuals to court appearances and medical appointments.
• Engage individuals with formal recovery support services.
• Educate individuals and family members about different modes of recovery.
• For CRPA-qualified duties, use personal recovery experience to help individuals articulate recovery goals.
• Help individuals create Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) as needed and take steps toward personal recovery goals.
• Help individuals find or establish self-help groups and other recovery-focused groups.
• Refer individuals and families to healthy leisure opportunities and helpful community resources.
• Use and teach problem-solving techniques, and lead discussions about overcoming common problems in daily living.
• Discuss ways to overcome negative self-talk and fears and identify signs of potential relapse.
• Teach and role-model the value of individual recovery experience and appropriate coping techniques.
• Help individuals develop empowerment skills and combat stigma through self-advocacy.
• Maintain reports and records.
• Consult with other professionals.
• Provide non-clinical crisis response.
• Recruit or encourage other Peer Specialists to pursue the CRPA credential.
• Participate in program administrative and clinical committees as assigned.
• Represent the agency in the community and promote agency values.
• Perform quality assurance activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including dental and vision coverage for employees and families.
• Paid vacation and sick leave, with no waiting period for accruals.
• Paid holidays, including a floating birthday holiday.
• 401(k) plan with up to a 5% company match.
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance.
• Company-sponsored life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Sign-on incentive of $1,500–$3,000 for full-time hires, depending on licensure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED