Senior Peer Support Specialist

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Senior Peer Support Specialist to join our MHA-MCOMH Crisis Transportation team. This vital role involves providing peer-led support and crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing mental health, related emergencies. The ideal candidate will possess lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering others through mentorship, crisis management, and behavioral health support. As a Senior Peer Support Specialist, you will serve as a trusted guide, facilitating safe transportation and connecting individuals to appropriate resources in a respectful, empathetic manner.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)

Peer Support Services

• Provide peer-to-peer crisis support during transport to a community alternative crisis service.
• Share personal recovery experiences to promote engagement, hope and self-determination.
• Help individuals understand and navigate crisis services, treatment options and community resources. Make referrals as needed.
• Assist in developing short-term wellness and safety plans along with PIC and FIT team members.
• Advocate for individual's rights and preferences within the crisis response process.
• Support follow up care coordination, including warm hand-offs to services and supports.
• Provide follow up calls and/or visits to individuals who were in crisis.

Mentorship of Department Peer Support Specialists

• Point person to peer support staff to successfully fulfill their responsibilities as a Peer Support Specialist within the PIC team.
• Support an organizational culture of being person-centered, recovery-oriented, culturally sensitive and trauma informed.
• Ensure adherence to policies and department procedures.
• Assist Program Director to ensure that services are adequately staffed, department deadlines are met, meetings are scheduled, and departmental efficiencies and operational improvements are made.

Other

• Document all services accurately and timely in compliance with organizational standards and confidentiality laws.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings and supervision to support professional development and team integration. Schedules meetings as needed.
• Must maintain peer certification throughout employment.

Requirements:

Skills

• Ability to respond to individuals in crisis calmly and respectfully.
• Experience and knowledge with crisis services, treatment options and community resources.
• Willingness to accompany transportation drivers across all zip codes of the City of Rochester and Monroe County.
• Ability to work with others on a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma- informed and culturally responsive care.
• Residents of the City of Rochester preferred.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma/GED equivalence.
• Lived experience with mental health, substance use and/or trauma related history and have demonstrated recovery.
• Certification as a NYS Peer Support Specialist.
• Must have 2 years of experience working as a Peer Support Specialist.
• Experience working in mental health, substance use or crisis setting preferred.
• Must be able to pass background check.