Peer Support Specialist

Buffalo, NY. Full-time position with benefits. Closing date: August 19, 2026.

About the role

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 improving Quality of Life.

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.

Requirements

• Candidate must be a certified NYS Certified Peer Specialist/Provisional, within one (1) year of being hired.
• High school diploma or equivalent 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.

Qualifications

• Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of, academic credentials.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent requires four (4) years related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.
• Associate degree requires two (2) years related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.
• Bachelor’s degree requires one (1) year of work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

Pay

$40,000 - $42,000/year