Job Description
Job Description
Job Title : Peer Specialist
- Schedule : Monday–Friday, 9 : 00 AM–5 : 00 PM (Full-time, Onsite) Must have flexibility for one evening shift per week (e.g., 11 PM–7 AM) and one Saturday per month
- Pay Rate : $24 / hr.
- Duration : 13-week contract (with potential for permanent hire)
- Permanent Salary Range (if hired) : Up to $50,000 / year
Position Overview :
The Peer Specialist supports individuals in behavioral health treatment by building authentic, trust-based relationships and encouraging recovery and wellness. This role involves outreach, emotional support, goal setting, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. As part of a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), the Peer Specialist plays a key role in helping individuals navigate mental health and substance use recovery, promote self-advocacy, and connect with resources.
Key Responsibilities :
Develop supportive relationships grounded in empathy, active listening, and shared lived experienceAssist individuals in clarifying personal goals and creating recovery and wellness plansAdvocate with and for participants in both team and community settingsPromote self-awareness, coping skills, and community engagementHelp foster a recovery-oriented, culturally inclusive team environmentCommunicate regularly with the team, report safety concerns, and co-create documentation with participants when appropriateQualifications :
OASAS or OMH Peer Certification or Provisional Certification required (e.g., Recovery Coach, Peer Specialist, Family Peer Advocate)Personal lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, and willingness to share as appropriateStrong interpersonal and boundary-setting skillsFamiliarity with CCBHC model and local community resourcesAbility to work independently and travel locally to meet participants (approx. 50% of the time)Must be open to evening and weekend shift requirementsCrisis response readiness and participation in on-call coverage as needed