Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources • Auburn, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is hiring Per Diem Peer Specialists for its Cayuga Crisis Residence Program. Crisis Residence locations are community-based residential respite homes that provide a therapeutic setting for adults experiencing mental health crises. The program combines peer support from staff with lived experience of mental health challenges and crisis support from experienced staff. Its goals are to stabilize guests so they can safely return to their communities and to help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The Peer Specialist supports people enrolled in Supportive Crisis Residence who are experiencing challenges in daily life that may lead to an escalation of symptoms that cannot 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 and contributes to the operation of the residence. The role includes 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 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), or completion of all required state-approved training specific to the title; alternatively, willingness 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

• Relevant 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 in accordance with 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, including personal care and activities of daily living, peer support, engagement, safety planning, direct care and support services, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
• Provide peer support consistent with peer and recovery-oriented support models.
• Provide crisis intervention and help guests 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 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 within program timelines, including Individual Service Plans, Social Determinants of Health Assessments, Strengths and Needs Assessments, Safety Plans, Daily Progress Notes, and Discharge Summaries.
• Provide recovery support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, and conflict resolution.

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 offered.

What This Job Offers

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