Peer Support Specialist - Renewal Center

Work within the Renewal Center, serving guests of the living space in overcoming immediate, emotional crisis, of which may alternatively result in emergency room visits.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To connect, engage and orient guests to the Renewal Center.

2. Utilize motivational interviewing and intentional peer support in meeting the needs of the guests.

3. Introduce coping techniques which de-escalate crisis through assisting in developing Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and/or Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) plans of intervention.

4. Assist the Qualified Health Professionals in obtaining a basic medical assessment.

5. Work with guests in preventing future crisis through referrals to agencies the guests choose.

6. Make appropriate referrals to the Director of MHPC for long-term crisis situations, such as housing, government benefits and employment.

7. Perform light maintenance of the Renewal Center, to uphold an environment that meets the high standards of our guests.

8. Accurately document consumers’ services and required paperwork in Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) database within two (2) working days of the date of service.

9. Participate in maintaining a neat, clean and safe work environment.

10. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

· Within six (6) months of being hired, the candidate must be certified as a NYS Certified Peer Specialist-Provisional.

· Must have received NY Care Coordination person-centered planning training.

· Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in vocational services, disability services, business, personnel management, mental health or social service, counseling needed.

High school diploma or equivalency

OR

Associate Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or related human services field

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or related human services field

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)

High school diploma or equivalent requires four (4) years of related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

Associate Degree requires two (2) years of related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

Bachelor’s Degree requires one (1) year of related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Candidate must have reliable transportation and automobile insurance, and the ability to utilize public transportation to commute to sites in all the counties Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL, Inc.) operates.

· The applicant must be a current or former consumer of mental health services.

· Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office/ Community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Sitting for extended periods of time.

Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.

HOURS / SHIFTS

22.5 hours per week

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 1:00PM-9:30PM

CLASSIFICATION

Part-time, non-exempt, Professional staff.

Range: $20.51 - $23.00

BENEFITS

Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available.

PTO and paid holiday package.

403(b) retirement with Agency match.

Employee Assistance Program

OTHER

Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols.

Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities.

Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free agency.

POSTING INFORMATION

Closing Date: April 2, 2026

Cover Letter and Resume Required to:

Human Resources Dept.

WNY Independent Living, Inc.

3108 Main St.

Buffalo, N.Y. 14214

employment@wnyil.org

Pay: $20.51 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $23