Certified Peer Specialist

Do work that matters in a culture that means it. Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support.

About the Role

As a CCBHC Certified Peer, you will be a vital part of an integrated behavioral health team, providing hope, support, and guidance to individuals with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders. Your voice and perspective matter—you will help bridge the gap between clinical services and real-life recovery through authentic connection and empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Inspire Hope: Welcome individuals into care with warmth, compassion, and the belief that recovery is possible.
• Promote Empowerment & Self-Determination: Support individuals in setting and achieving their personal recovery goals.
• Model Recovery: Use your own lived experience to foster a recovery mindset and demonstrate what is possible.
• Build Meaningful Relationships: Establish mutual, respectful, and trusting partnerships.
• Provide Strength-Based Support: Help individuals identify and build on their personal strengths and life skills.
• Encourage Community Integration: Support individuals in accessing community resources and building meaningful connections.
• Resource Connector: Guide individuals toward community supports and services.
• Ally & Confidant: Offer nonjudgmental listening and shared experiences.
• Mentor & Role Model: Help others envision and navigate their own recovery paths.
• Problem Solver & Planner: Assist with identifying barriers and exploring strategies to overcome them.
• Educator & Tour Guide: Introduce individuals to the principles of recovery, including stages, tools, and culture.

Requirements

• Personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
• Experience overcoming life challenges while coping with a behavioral health condition.
• New York State Peer Certification or Provisional Certification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends as scheduled.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Peer support experience in a behavioral health or recovery setting.
• Knowledge of local community resources and recovery-oriented supports.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.

Physical Requirements

These physical demands are representative of the requirements necessary to perform the job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described functions.

• Must be capable of accessing all rooms in a 2-story home.
• Able to work in an open-space floor plan.
• Must be capable of moving throughout the workday.
• Occasional lifting of 25+ pounds.

Pay

$25 per hour (provisional certification), $28 per hour (full certification).

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:30 PM.