Peer Support Specialist

Description

Peer Support services are peer-delivered services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus. They are designed to promote skills for coping with and managing behavioral health symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of recovery-oriented principles.

The structured, scheduled activities provided by this service emphasize the opportunity for peers to support each other in the restoration and expansion of the skills and strategies necessary to move forward in recovery. Individuals providing these services will do so through the paradigm of the shared personal experience of recovery.

Peer Support services are peer-delivered services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus. They are designed to promote skills for coping with and managing behavioral health symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of recovery-oriented principles (e.g. hope and self-efficacy, and community living skills). Peer support uses trauma-informed, non-clinical assistance to achieve long-term recovery from a behavioral health disorder. Activities included must be intended to achieve the identified goals or objectives as set forth in the individual’s individualized service plan, which delineates specific goals that are flexibly tailored to the participant and attempt to utilize community and natural supports. The intent of these activities is to assist individuals in initiating recovery, maintaining recovery, and enhancing the quality of personal and family life in long-term recovery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide one-on-one support to help individuals set and achieve recovery-oriented goals.
• Assist clients in navigating community resources, benefits, and housing options.
• Support individuals in developing budgeting, organization, and life skills.
• Encourage mental health symptom management and relapse prevention strategies.
• Help clients explore education and employment opportunities.
• Foster self-sufficiency and empowerment through advocacy and mentorship.
• Local Travel Required

Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• New York State Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) required. Provisional certifications accepted.
• Must have a Driver’s License and access to private reliable transportation
• Personal experience with mental health recovery or substance use recovery.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in diverse community settings.