Forensic ACT Peer Specialist

Upstate Caring Partners; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Low-cost health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Generous PTO Plans

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

A community health organization in Utica is seeking a Forensic ACT Peer Specialist to support individuals with serious mental illness through advocacy and peer support. The role involves engaging in one-on-one activities, fostering recovery-focused strategies, and collaborating on individualized service plans. Candidates must have a High School Diploma and should self-identify as individuals in recovery from mental health conditions or substance use disorders. The position offers an inclusive work environment with competitive benefits including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Must identify as a person with lived experience in recovery from mental health or substance use condition.
• Certified Peer Specialist (OMH) or Peer Advocate (OASAS) required within 90 days.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and reliable transportation needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a recovery role model sharing lived experiences.
• Engage participants in one-on-one peer support activities.
• Support individuals navigating reentry, probation, and court compliance.
• Collaborate in developing individualized service plans.

Skills

Lived experience in recovery

Peer support activities

Advocacy skills

Crisis management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certification as Peer Specialist or Advocate

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Job description

Job Category: Community Health & Behavioral Services

Requisition Number: FOREN008037

• Posted : March 20, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

The Forensic ACT Peer Specialist (PS) is a core member of the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, a multidisciplinary treatment team serving individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), co-occurring substance use disorders, and current or prior involvement in the justice system. The Peer Specialist draws upon their lived experience of recovery to provide non-clinical support, mentorship, advocacy, and engagement to promote hope, choice, and empowerment in the recovery process.

This position supports participants in all phases of service, including outreach, engagement, treatment planning, crisis recovery, and reentry from incarceration or hospitalization. The PS fosters trusting relationships, facilitates connections to natural supports, and helps individuals navigate behavioral health and legal systems.

The PS must identify as actively in recovery from a SUD or MH condition and/or self-disclose one’s recovery or justice involvement journey. The PS 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

• Serve as a recovery role model by sharing lived experiences in a respectful, purposeful, and trauma-informed manner.
• Engage participants in one-on-one and group peer support activities that promote recovery, reduce isolation, and enhance community integration.
• Support individuals in navigating reentry, probation/parole, and court compliance, while promoting recovery-focused strategies for reducing justice involvement.
• Collaborate with team members to inform the development and implementation of individualized service plans (ISPs) that reflect the participant’s voice and choice.
• Co-create crisis prevention and safety plans with participants, incorporating strengths, support networks, and wellness strategies.
• Participate in daily team meetings and contribute lived experience perspectives to inform risk management, crisis response, and recovery strategies.
• Educate individuals about their rights, recovery options, and self-advocacy practices.
• Facilitate peer-led groups focused on empowerment, recovery, harm reduction, conflict resolution, and self-care.
• Advocate with external systems (e.g., housing, social services, probation/parole) to support the individual’s recovery goals and reduce barriers.
• Document services provided in accordance with OMH, Medicaid, and agency policies using the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Maintain active certification or pursue certification as a Peer Specialist or Peer Advocate through NYS OMH and/or OASAS pathways.
• Participate in supervision, ongoing peer specialist training, and professional development opportunities.
• Comply with all applicable ethical guidelines, agency policies, and confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Adhere to all defined role responsibility and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.
• Comply with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.
• Provide Crisis/On call Services as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must identify as a person with lived experience in recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, justice involvement or combination.
• Certified Peer Specialist (OMH) or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA – OASAS) required or must obtain provisional certification within 90 days and achieve full certification within 18 months of hire.
• One year of demonstrated recovery and three letters of reference required for certification applications.
• Previous experience in justice-involved, community-based, or ACT/FACT programs preferred.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.

• Direct Deposit
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Appreciation Events
• Employee Discounts

Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting.upstatecpjobs.org

Equal Opportunity Employer
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