SCSC Peer Support Specialist

Pay $40,000 - $45,000 annually - Day and Evening/Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities available!   

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) works as part of the Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center (SCSC) program to support clients in their crisis state, related to Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Mental Health (MH) or co-Occurring SUD and MH diagnosis. The PSS is a key part of the multi-disciplinary crisis response team and works directly with clients to provide advocacy and support. The PSS works to engage individuals at all points of service, to include admission, treatment, discharge planning.

The PSS must identify as being actively in recovery from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one’s recovery journey. The PSS must currently have a certification or attain provisional certification within 90-days of employment, as a Peer Specialist or Advocate recognized by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and/or Office of Addiction Supports and Services (OASAS).

Core Responsibilities 

• Greet clients presenting to the SCSC and provide support in the triage, screening and assessment services.
• Support SCSC clients during time of crisis.   
• Relate to the client as an advocate for their treatment services.
• Educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
• Teach individuals and family members coping skills.
• Use a person-centered approach.
• Support a holistic approach and the multiple pathways to recovery, to include the use of self-help resources.
• Serve as a role model to clients.
• Educate through shared experiences.
• Establish appropriate respectful peer relationships.
• Mentor clients in areas that support recovery such as effective communication, self-care, self-advocacy, conflict resolution.
• Lead educational and support groups for clients.
• Participate in the treatment team model, to include informing treatment planning.
• Adhere to all defined role responsibility and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.

Qualifications

• 18 year of age or older.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), Certified or credentialed family peer advocate, Certified or credentialed youth peer advocate or NYS Certified Peer Specialist or provisional status to be attained within 90 days of employment and full certification to be attained within NYS Certification Board recognized by OMH and/or OASAS.
• For individuals not yet certified at the time of hire must Identify as being actively in recovery for at least one-year from a SUD or MH condition or and self-disclose one’s recovery journey and be able to submit three letters of reference to the NYS Certification Board to support application for Certified Peer Specialist of Advocate.
• Attest to the respective Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct for Peer Specialists or Advocate. 
• Previous experience preferred working with individuals with complex substance use and mental health needs.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License-travel is required.

Benefits