Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Oswego, NY

8d • $20 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking Peer Specialists for its Oswego Crisis Residence Program. Crisis Residence programs are community-based residential programs that provide a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. The Peer Specialist supports people enrolled in Supportive Crisis Residence who are facing challenges in daily life that may lead to escalating symptoms that cannot be managed in their home or community environment.

Using Recovery-Oriented Services, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Intentional Peer Support, the specialist provides recovery support and helps guests stabilize and return safely to their communities. Services include health and wellness coaching, recurrence-prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, advocacy, referrals, and linkage to community services. The program aims to help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The role works with guests and community providers to coordinate person-centered support, complete required program documentation, and contribute to the operation and coverage of the residence. Coverage may include overnights as required. The position is per diem, with evening, weekend, and overnight hours. The starting rate is $20–$24 per hour, depending on certification status.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 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 another applicable peer specialist; alternatively, must be willing to complete the certification process within six months of employment.
• Personal experience with emotional, behavioral, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, or experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child with such disorders.
• 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.

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.
• Completed state-approved training specific to the applicable peer specialist title or current certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide services to Supportive Crisis Residence guests in accordance with 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, including 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 to develop integrated, person-centered and self-directed 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 within program timelines, including Individual Service Plans, Social Determinants of Health Assessments, Strengths and Needs Assessments, Safety Plans, Daily Progress Notes, and Discharge Summaries.
• Support guests through 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