Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources•Oneida, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking a Peer Specialist for its Oneida Crisis Residence Program. The community-based residential program provides a therapeutic, home-like setting for adults experiencing mental health crises. The Peer Specialist supports guests whose daily-life challenges create a risk of escalating 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 helps guests work toward recovery and a safe return to their community while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The role includes peer support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, and linkage to services. The specialist collaborates with Health Homes, hospitals, and treatment providers to develop integrated, person-centered plans of care. The position also includes assisting with personal care and activities of daily living, safety planning, case management, medication management and monitoring, and completing required program documentation. The program offers a home-like setting, a relaxed atmosphere, varied work hours, mentorship and entry-level experience with opportunities for growth, and Peer Certification hours. The schedule includes evenings, weekends, and overnights as required. Pay is $20–$24 per hour, depending on certification status.

Requirements

Personal experience as a recipient of mental health services and willingness to share personal, practical experience, knowledge, and firsthand insight with program guests.
High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
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.
Ability to understand, support, and operate from a strength-based, recovery-oriented model.
Professionalism in all settings and ability to recognize the importance of relationship-building and collaboration with other service providers.
Ability to solve complex problems creatively and consistently demonstrate dignity and respect for peers.
Ability to de-escalate during crises.
Willingness to complete the Office of Mental Health Certified Peer Specialist certification process within six months of employment if not already certified.
Work schedule includes evenings, weekends, and overnights as required.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in a behavioral health or related setting, preferably using the recovery model.
One to two years of personal recovery experience.
Office of Mental Health (OMH) Certified Peer Specialist certification.

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, integrated direct care and support services, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
Provide peer support in accordance 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 according to 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.