Peer Specialist

We are currently searching for passionate and motivated Per Diem Peer Specialists to work in our Cayuga Crisis Respite Program

• Liberty Resources has 4 Crisis Respite locations with 3-8 beds in Syracuse, Oneida, Oswego, and Auburn.
• The respite homes are community based residential programs that provide a therapeutic environment for adults experiencing a mental health crisis.
• The program provides Peer Support Services utilizing individuals with a history of lived experience with mental health challenges and a willingness to share their story as well as Crisis Support Staff who have extensive experience in the field.
• The staff provides services including but not limited to health and wellness coaching, reoccurrence prevention planning, wellness activities, family support, conflict resolution, and referrals and linkage services.
• The goal is to stabilize crisis to support a guest’s safe return to their community and to provide preventive measures for reducing un-necessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Our employees have passion around the services they provide and our corporate values of excellence and staff support. We pride ourselves on high quality, integrated, community-based services that meet the evolving needs of our communities. We’re committed to building a diverse workforce that values contributions of all team members and work to recognize cultural beliefs, values, traditions, language preferences, and health practices of the communities that we serve and how they apply to provision of positive health outcomes.

What We Offer

Home like setting Relaxed atmosphere Variety of work hours Mentorship/Entry level experience with ability for growth in the agency Offers Peer Certification hours Peer Specialist Job Responsibilities: Conducts initial assessments/screenings Teach guests to look at crisis differently and utilize wellness tools to prevent future crises or to decrease the intensity of personal crisis. Work closely with Health Homes programs, hospitals, and other treatment providers to develop an integrated plan of care including mental health, physical health, substance use, and community support services necessary for individuals to succeed in the community. Provide advocacy, Peer support, and referral linkage services for program residents as needed and as assigned by the Program Coordinator. For Peer Specialist, use shared experience to support the clients. Provide recovery oriented services incorporating Peer Support, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed/Responsive care. Provide coverage for the program as reflected in the staffing plan including overnights as required. Rotate warm line responsibilities with other staff and/or make follow up calls. Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Acts as a role model for residents of the program. Ensure upkeep and cleanliness of the residence. Peer Specialist Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required, Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in the field preferred. 1-3 years’ volunteer or work experience in the Behavioral Healthcare field preferred. A respect for and high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis. Ability to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving and de-escalation skills to assist with creating and maintaining an environment that promotes recovery. Have personal experience as a recipient of mental health services with a willingness to share personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit program guests. A willingness to learn and practice Peer support that is aligned with the fidelity of the Peer Model. Certified by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) as a Certified Peer Specialist or Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) as a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate or willingness to become certified within six months of hire.