Certified Peer Specialist

A

Access: Supports for Living

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Poughkeepsie, New York

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The Certified Peer Specialist provides hope, support, and guidance to individuals with mental health, developmental, or substance use challenges. They act as a mentor and resource connector to help individuals navigate their recovery paths and integrate into the community.

Qualifications

You have personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, demonstrating resilience from overcoming life challenges. You must possess a New York State Peer Certification or Provisional Certification, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships and inspire hope.

Must Have Skills for ATS

New York State Peer Certification

Provisional Certification

trauma-informed approaches

person-centered approaches

Job Description

At Access: Supports for Living and our Access: Network partners, we help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible - and we support our staff in doing the same. Across our family of organizations, team members work in mental health, substance use, disability, employment, housing, and family services, doing meaningful work in a collaborative and respectful environment. We offer supportive leadership, opportunities to learn and grow, competitive benefits, and the chance to build a career with purpose. If you’re looking for work that matters and a team that values what you bring, the Access Network is a great place to be.

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Hours: M-F 930 am to 6 pm

Rate of Pay: $25 Provisional and $28 Full Certification

OVERVIEW OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:

As a CCBHC Certified Peer, you will be a vital part of an integrated behavioral health team, providing hope, support, and guidance to individuals with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders. Your voice and perspective matter — you will help bridge the gap between clinical services and real-life recovery through authentic connection and empowerment.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Key Responsibilities:

As a Certified Peer, you will:

  • Inspire Hope: Welcome individuals into care with warmth, compassion, and the belief that recovery is possible.
  • Promote Empowerment & Self-Determination: Support individuals in setting and achieving their personal recovery goals.
  • Model Recovery: Use your own lived experience to foster a recovery mindset and demonstrate what is possible.
  • Build Meaningful Relationships: Establish mutual, respectful, and trusting partnerships.
  • Provide Strength-Based Support: Help individuals identify and build on their personal strengths and life skills.
  • Encourage Community Integration: Support individuals in accessing community resources and building meaningful connections.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL / ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT:

  • Resource Connector: Guide individuals toward community supports and services.
  • Ally & Confidant: Offer nonjudgmental listening and shared experiences.
  • Mentor & Role Model: Help others envision and navigate their own recovery paths.
  • Problem Solver & Planner: Assist with identifying barriers and exploring strategies to overcome them.
  • Educator & Tour Guide: Introduce individuals to the principles of recovery, including stages, tools, and culture.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:

  • Personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
  • Experience overcoming life challenges while coping with a behavioral health condition.
  • New York State Peer Certification or Provisional Certification.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to work evenings/weekends as scheduled.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Peer support experience in a behavioral health or recovery setting.
  • Knowledge of local community resources and recovery-oriented supports.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.

#PeerSpecialist #CertifiedPeer #Peer #HumanServices #MentalHealth

IND2024

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and Veterans

A

Access: Supports for Living

Rewarding Lives. Healthy Communities. Welcome to an agency that is passionate about supporting the families and communities of the Hudson Valley. We have been evolving services for people facing the challenges of disability and mental illness for over 58 years. Today ...we offer a broad range of programs and touch thousands of lives every week. Yet we always work hard to focus on the needs and potentials of one person at a time. Our many and varied services are all focused on one goal: helping people with challenges live the fullest life possible. We believe each of us is entitled to a voice in establishing our own life goals and strive to treat each person we assist as a partner. We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work.
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