A peer specialist/advocate offers emotional support, shares knowledge, teaches skills, provides practical assistance, and connects people with resources, opportunities, communities of support, and other people. A peer specialist/advocate offers their unique lived experience with mental health conditions to provide support focused on advocacy, education, mentoring, and motivation. 

Key Responsibilities

• Help peers identify and develop personal strengths to support recovery goals.

• Create and facilitate group activities that support recovery.

• Help peers navigate community services and resources.

• Assist peers in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends and/or significant others.

• Offer peers encouragement in times of crisis.

• Advocate for peers when they are unable to advocate for themselves.

• Work in cooperation with other providers, family members or significant others involved in a peer’s recovery plan.

• Create and maintain relationships with other organizations that may benefit from MHA’s Services.

• Maintain required documentation of services for funders and insurance.

• Share coverage of phone calls, drop-in hours and walk-in visits.

• Schedule visits with individuals after discharge from hospital emergency rooms.

• Assist individuals with selecting and utilizing recovery tools.

• Provide recovery education and coaching for individuals and their family members.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Skills

• High School Diploma or GED. 

• Willing to self-identify as a person in recovery for the benefit of others.

• Experience working with individuals with mental health problems.

• Knowledge of office procedures and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

• Ability to work in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

• Familiarity with local community resources.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Highly compassionate.

Certifications

• Must have or be working toward NYS Peer Certification. Must remain valid during employment. Preference may be given to those who are already certified.

  The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diversity is expressed through every person’s perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and family medical or genetic information.