Empowerment Services – Peer Support Specialist (CORE)
Job Type: Per Diem
About the Role
The Empowerment Services – Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, peer-delivered support to adults enrolled in
Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) Services. This role uses lived experience of recovery from
mental health and/or substance use challenges to support individuals in building skills, increasing self-efficacy, and
engaging more fully in their communities. Peer Support Specialists work collaboratively with individuals to promote
recovery-oriented goals identified in the Individual Service Plan (ISP), emphasizing empowerment, advocacy, and
community participation through intentional, goal-directed activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individual, one-to-one peer support services consistent with CORE Empowerment Services guidelines.
- Use lived experience to model recovery-oriented skills, coping strategies, and self-advocacy.
- Support individuals in identifying, accessing, and utilizing natural supports and community resources.
- Assist individuals with:
o Self-advocacy and shared decision-making
o Navigating behavioral health, social service, and benefits systems
o Developing coping strategies based on lived experience
- Promote engagement in meaningful community activities and social networks.
- Provide transitional support for individuals returning to the community from hospitals, detox, residential
treatment, incarceration, or other institutional settings, as assigned.
- Offer peer-based support during periods of distress or crisis using non-clinical interventions and recovery tools,
when appropriate.
- Maintain timely, accurate documentation including progress notes and service records in accordance with CORE
documentation standards.
- Collaborate with supervisors and other service providers (e.g., Care Managers, clinicians) to support
coordinated, person-centered care.
- Participate in required supervision, trainings, and team meetings.
- Report incidents, safety concerns, or barriers to service delivery promptly and appropriately.
- Peer Support Specialists receive clinical supervision from a qualified supervisor in accordance with CORE
requirements.
- Administrative/task supervision is provided to support scheduling, documentation, and service delivery
expectations.
Qualifications
o New York State Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS or NYCPS-P) OR
o New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA or CRPA-P)
- Personal lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, with ability to use
that experience professionally and ethically.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Ability to work independently in community settings while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Strong communication, engagement, and documentation skills.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed
Pay: $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
