Per Diem Peer Specialist

People-US; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

People USA - Peer Run Behavioral & Mental Health, Recovery, and Wellness is seeking a Peer Specialist to support the Dutchess County Stabilization Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The role focuses on peer-based recovery support, crisis intervention, and community connections for guests.

Responsibilities include guiding guests through intake and departure, coordinating with clinical staff, and promoting wellness through trauma-informed, person-centered practices.

Qualifications

• Two years in recovery from acute care environment (required).
• Ability to obtain NY State Peer Specialist Certification (OMH CPS or OASAS CPRA).
• Understanding of recovery and wellness concepts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support during first interaction, intake, arrival, and departure.
• Offer immediate crisis support and intervention to guests in distress.
• De-escalate crises and coordinate with clinical/medical staff at the Crisis Stabilization Center.
• Share personal recovery experiences to promote mental health wellness.
• Assist guests in connecting with community resources and services.
• Apply trauma-informed approaches and WRAP/Mental Health First Aid tools in daily practice.
• Complete APS online training and NYS Peer Specialist Certification processes (OMH or OASAS).
• Maintain a trauma-informed, person-centered care environment.
• Collaborate with People USA staff and communicate openly with the team.

Skills

Recovery experience

Trauma-informed care

Empathy

Communication

Time management

Self-direction

Reliability

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Organization Name:

People USA - Peer Run Behavioral & Mental Health, Recovery, and Wellness

Job Location:

Dutchess County Stabilization Center, Poughkeepsie, NY

Work Schedule:

Overnights - 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Differential $1.18 per hour) Weekdays and weekends

Job Summary:

The Peer Specialist staff will support the daily operations of People USA at the Dutchess County Stabilization Center. They provide peer support for each individual and are available to instill hope, support wellness, and demonstrate that recovery is real and does happen. Peer Specialist model and utilize trauma-informed techniques, person-centered practices and tools. They help to support individuals set goals and connect with community resources.

Job Responsibilities :

• Provide support for guests during the first interaction, intake, arrival, and departure.
• Provide immediate crisis support and intervention to guests experiencing distress.
• De-escalate crisis situations and work in collaboration with clinical and medical staff at the Crisis Support Center.
• Share personal experience and encourage mental health wellness and recovery.
• Assist in connection to mental health services, substance use services, community resources, entitlements, and other services as needed.
• Model and utilize Trauma Informed techniques and tools as outlined in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, SafeTALK, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
• Complete all necessary Academy of Peer Services (APS) online learning and complete OMH NY State Peer Specialist Certification Application or complete all OASAS CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) trainings and maintain certification.
• Help maintain a trauma-informed environment focused on delivering person-centered care.
• Work cooperatively with other People USA staff and maintain clear, honest and respectful communication with team members.

Job Requirements:

• Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language, and behaviors reflecting such values
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and the community.
• Understanding of available community supports.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• High School Diploma Required.
• Must have personal lived experience with trauma, mental health, or substance abuse history.
• Must have personal transportation. Positions may be asked to work Holidays.

Job Qualifications:

• At least two years in recovery from acute care environment.
• Completion of the Academy of Peer Services Training and the ability to obtain the NY State Peer Specialist Certification either OMH (CPS) or OASAS (CPRA).
• A shared vision of hope for people experiencing a crisis.
• Work or Volunteer experience providing peer support, advocacy, or human services.
• Basic knowledge of community support services/resources.
• Completion of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training (preferred).
• Understanding of recovery and wellness vs. illness-based system (preferred).
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Reports to Site Director – Dutchess County Crisis Stabilization Center