Peer Support Specialist

Buffalo, NY. WNY Independent Living. Peer Support Specialist. FT. Benefits. $40,000-$42,000/Year Closing Date: October 5, 2026 General Job Description To provide peer support to individuals, with lived mental health experiences through positive self-disclosure, to assist in obtaining their goals related to Independent Living, vocations and improve Quality of Life. Specific Duties & Responsibilities Assist individuals with mental illness complete a Quality-of-Life Self-Assessment. Educate and assist individuals with developing Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs). when necessary. Support individuals in learning how to live in the community in a healthy manner. Provide advocacy when dealing with medical or mental health personnel, housing, independent living skills, benefits advisement, peer support, information and referral and mobility training. Assess benefit forms for each individual served. Provide rapid employment techniques and skills needed for mental health recipients to assist in finding employment. Provide peer counseling to recipients of mental health services. Facilitate weekly peer support self-help meetings regarding quality-of-life concerns. Education & Training Candidate must be a certified NYS Certified Peer Specialist/Provisional, within one (1) year of being hired. Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials. High school diploma or equivalency OR an 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) Candidate must be a certified NYS Certified Peer Specialist/Provisional, within one (1) year of being hired. Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials. High school diploma or equivalent OR Associate Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field. OR Bachelors Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field. Skills & Abilities Must be able to type thirty-five (35) words per minute. Applicants must be a current or former consumer of mental health services. Ability to travel independently and commute to sites in all counties WNYIL operates is required. Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks. Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr