Peer Support Specialist

Venture Forthe Inc • Buffalo, NY

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Peer Support Services provide trauma-informed, nonclinical assistance to individuals navigating behavioral health recovery. Using each participant’s individualized service plan, peer support promotes coping skills, self-advocacy, hope, independence, and connections to community resources. The goal is to help participants begin and sustain recovery while improving their quality of life.

Requirements

• Current New York State OMH Certified Peer Specialist credential or OASAS Certified Peer Advocate credential.
• Ability to use personal lived experience appropriately to support and inspire others in recovery.
• Understanding of peer-support, recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed practices.
• Valid New York State driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel within the community.
• Ability to work independently and responsibly in field-based settings.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic records and complete documentation within required deadlines.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, teamwork, and respectful service.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered peer support services in person and within the community.
• Use lived experience to build trust, model recovery, and help participants develop skills for greater independence and well-being.
• Support individualized recovery goals through coaching, self-help tools, relapse-prevention planning, and connections to natural and community supports.
• Help participants access benefits, housing, behavioral health services, and other needed resources while encouraging self-advocacy and shared decision-making.
• Provide outreach, engagement, transitional support, and assistance during pre-crisis or crisis situations.
• Collaborate with participants, families, providers, and care teams to promote continuity of support.
• Complete intake forms, service plans, progress notes, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA and agency policies.

Benefits

• Work-life balance & schedule flexibility
• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• PTO
• 401(k) with match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term disability, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/ Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employee discount programs
• Career growth in a mission-driven agency
• Supportive and collaborative work culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed