Peer Recovery Specialist - Crisis

Peer Recovery Specialist – Elmira Crisis Center
Full Time/ Part Time
Schedule: TBD
Location: 911 Stowell Street Elmira, NY 14901
Must have a CRPA (Peer Recovery Specialist credential )
(Must have lived experience with substance use disorder (SUD) and be in sustained recovery)

The Peer Recovery Specialist – Integrated Care - ICSC provides non-clinical, peer-based recovery support services within a 24/7 Intensive Crisis Center serving individuals experiencing acute mental health and/or substance use crises. This role uses lived experience to engage individuals during moments of instability, promote hope, and support immediate stabilization and connection to ongoing care.

Working as part of an interdisciplinary crisis team, the Peer Recovery Specialist assists individuals in navigating recovery supports, addressing social determinants of health, and transitioning to appropriate levels of care. This role is integral to fostering engagement, reducing barriers, and supporting continuity of care across the behavioral health system.

There is a shift differential with this program:

• Day Shift (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM): $1.00 per hour
• Evening Shift (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM): $2.00 per hour
• Overnight Shift (11:00 PM – 8:00 AM): $3.00 per hour

Essential Job Functions

• Engage individuals in crisis using a trauma-informed, person-centered, and recovery-oriented approach
• Use lived experience to build rapport, establish trust, and promote hope during acute behavioral health episodes
• Provide 1:1 peer support focused on immediate stabilization, engagement, and next-step planning
• Assist individuals in developing short-term Recovery Plans that support stabilization and connection to ongoing services
• Support individuals in accessing appropriate levels of care, including outpatient treatment, residential services, detox, inpatient care, and community supports
• Provide education and support regarding recovery pathways, including harm reduction, abstinence-based recovery, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT/MOUD)
• Assist with addressing urgent social determinants of health needs such as housing, transportation, benefits, and safety
• Provide non-clinical crisis support during transitions from emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, incarceration, or other high-risk settings
• Conduct outreach (telephonic and in-person as appropriate) to support engagement, follow-up, and continuity of care
• Collaborate closely with clinical, medical, nursing, and case management staff to support coordinated stabilization and discharge planning
• Accompany individuals to appointments or community resources when clinically appropriate and approved
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of peer interactions, recovery planning, and engagement activities in the electronic health record
• Adhere to confidentiality standards and applicable regulations (HIPAA, 42 CFR, agency policies)

Secondary Functions

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, shift huddles, and case coordination discussions
• Support warm handoffs and transitions to ongoing behavioral health and recovery services
• Assist in strengthening peer engagement strategies within the crisis setting
• Participate in training and professional development related to crisis response and peer services
• Maintain awareness of community resources and referral networks
• Participate in on-call coverage as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to use lived experience to support individuals during acute crisis and early recovery
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and recovery systems
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approaches
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in high-acuity, fast-paced environments
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and engagement skills
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary clinical team while maintaining a non-clinical role
• Competency in documentation and electronic health record systems
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to rapidly changing situations

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

While performing this role, the employee must be able to:

• Use a computer and standard office equipment
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations while maintaining personal and client safety
• Travel within the facility or community as needed
• Manage stress in a high-acuity behavioral health environment

Work Environment

Work is performed in a 24/7 Intensive Crisis Center providing immediate stabilization services for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. The environment is fast-paced, high-acuity, and team-based. Staff must adhere to tobacco-, alcohol-, and drug-free workplace policies and follow all safety and infection control protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree in human services or related field preferred
• Lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges required
• Eligible for or currently certified as a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate (CRPA) or equivalent credential
• Experience in peer support, behavioral health, or human services preferred
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

This job description is intended to provide a description of essential job functions that are used in order to assess employee performance. It is not an all-inclusive statement of job responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you interested in Full-Time?
• Are you interested in Part-Time?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Peer Recovery Specialist: 1 year (Preferred)
• Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Behavioral health: 1 year (Preferred)
• Clinical counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Personal SUD: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Drivers License (Required)
• CRPA (Certified Recovery Specialist) (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Elmira, NY 14901 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18