Peer Specialist

Liberty Resources•Oneida, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Resources is hiring a per diem Peer Specialist for its Oneida Crisis Residence Program. Crisis residences are community-based homes providing a therapeutic setting for adults experiencing mental health crises. The program combines peer support from people with lived experience and crisis support from experienced staff. Its goal is to stabilize guests, support their safe return to the community, and help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The Peer Support Specialist supports people enrolled in the Supportive Crisis Residence who are facing daily-life challenges that may escalate symptoms beyond what they can manage at home. Using recovery-oriented services, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and intentional peer support, the specialist provides recovery support and contributes to residence operations. The role works with guests and outside providers to support integrated, person-centered care. The position offers a home-like setting, a relaxed atmosphere, varied work hours, mentorship and entry-level experience with opportunities for growth within the agency, and peer certification hours. The starting rate is $20.00–$24.00 per hour, depending on certification status.

Requirements

High school diploma or 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.
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.
Certified or provisionally certified by the New York State 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 all required state-approved training for their title; alternatively, must be willing to complete certification within six months of employment.

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 relevant 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 services to Supportive Crisis Residence guests in accordance with 14 NYCRR XIII Part 589, including assistance with personal care and activities of daily living, peer support, engagement, safety planning, direct care and support integration, case management, medication management, and medication monitoring.
Provide peer support in accordance with peer and recovery-oriented models.
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 an integrated, person-centered and self-directed plan 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 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 and standards.
Provide recovery support, health and wellness coaching, recurrence prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, and conflict resolution.