Liberty Resources is seeking a Peer Specialist with our Next Steps Apartment program, which supports adults living with chemical dependency in Oneida, NY.

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:

• A Collaborative and Supportive Team Atmosphere
• Competitive Compensation and Paid Time Off Package
• Family-Friendly Workplace
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Continuing Education Opportunities

Peer Support Position Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based recovery-oriented services to individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges[MD1] in the OASAS Transitional Safety Units Program. OASAS Transitional Safety Units (TSUs) provide short-term supportive housing for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who are experiencing homelessness and are not yet able to access permanent housing. These units primarily serve individuals with SUD who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and are either exiting a residential treatment program or reentering the community from the criminal justice system. The peer specialist draws on their own lived experience to engage individuals in recovery, promote wellness, and support participants as they navigate treatment, housing, and other community-based services. The role may support multiple programs including residential, transitional, and supportive housing.

Peer Specialist Job Responsibilities:

• Utilize lived experience and Peer training to provide support grounded in the Peer Model: person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based, recovery-focused.
• Build trusting relationships and promote hope, empowerment, and self-determination.
• Support participants in developing and achieving their personal recovery goals.
• Engage with individuals from the OASAS Transitional Safety Units Program.
• Assist participants in navigating systems (healthcare, housing, benefits, etc.) and address barriers such as stigma, transportation, and appointment adherence.
• Teach recovery and wellness strategies (e.g., WRAP, wellness self-management, harm reduction).
• Coordinate care with external providers and participate in integrated treatment planning.
• Provide individual and group peer support and skill-building sessions.
• Transport and accompany individuals to essential appointments as needed.
• Observe and document medication administration where applicable.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required trainings.
• Provide coverage for shifts as needed.
• Support linkage to natural supports and community resources.
• Uphold agency policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Complete Peer Recovery Plan’s with clients
• Other duties as assigned

Peer Specialist Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Personal experience with mental health, substance use, or related challenges and a willingness to share recovery journey respectfully.
• One to two years of relevant experience preferred.
• Certification as a CRPA-P and/or CRPA preferred
• If the candidate is not certified as a CRPA, they agree to complete the process to become a CRPA.
• Training in or willingness to be trained in: Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Cultural Competency, Narcan, Co-occurring Disorders.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Pay Rate: $18.00/hour

Liberty Resources is committed to creating a diverse inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Liberty Resources offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, source of income or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.