Upstate Caring Partners·City of Utica, New York
The Forensic ACT Peer Specialist provides non-clinical support, mentorship, and advocacy to individuals with serious mental illness and justice system involvement. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate recovery, crisis prevention, and community integration through individualized service planning.
Pay $19.23 - $21.63 an hour
The Forensic ACT Peer Specialist (PS) is a core member of the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team, a multidisciplinary treatment team serving individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), co-occurring substance use disorders, and current or prior involvement in the justice system. The Peer Specialist draws upon their lived experience of recovery to provide non-clinical support, mentorship, advocacy, and engagement to promote hope, choice, and empowerment in the recovery process.
This position supports participants in all phases of service, including outreach, engagement, treatment planning, crisis recovery, and reentry from incarceration or hospitalization. The PS fosters trusting relationships, facilitates connections to natural supports, and helps individuals navigate behavioral health and legal systems.
The PS must identify as actively in recovery from a SUD or MH condition and/or self-disclose one’s recovery or justice involvement journey. The PS must currently have a certification or attain provisional certification within 90-days of employment, as a Peer Specialist or Advocate recognized by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and/or Office of Addiction Supports and Services (OASAS).
Core Responsibilities
Serve as a recovery role model by sharing lived experiences in a respectful, purposeful, and trauma-informed manner.
Engage participants in one-on-one and group peer support activities that promote recovery, reduce isolation, and enhance community integration.
Support individuals in navigating reentry, probation/parole, and court compliance, while promoting recovery-focused strategies for reducing justice involvement.
Collaborate with team members to inform the development and implementation of individualized service plans (ISPs) that reflect the participant’s voice and choice.
Co-create crisis prevention and safety plans with participants, incorporating strengths, support networks, and wellness strategies.
Participate in daily team meetings and contribute lived experience perspectives to inform risk management, crisis response, and recovery strategies.
Educate individuals about their rights, recovery options, and self-advocacy practices.
Facilitate peer-led groups focused on empowerment, recovery, harm reduction, conflict resolution, and self-care.
Advocate with external systems (e.g., housing, social services, probation/parole) to support the individual’s recovery goals and reduce barriers.
Document services provided in accordance with OMH, Medicaid, and agency policies using the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Maintain active certification or pursue certification as a Peer Specialist or Peer Advocate through NYS OMH and/or OASAS pathways.
Participate in supervision, ongoing peer specialist training, and professional development opportunities.
Comply with all applicable ethical guidelines, agency policies, and confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Adhere to all defined role responsibility and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.
Comply with the policies, procedures and regulations of the Agency and external regulatory bodies.
Provide Crisis/On call Services as scheduled.
Other duties as assigned.
Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. upstatecpjobs.org
Click Here - FACT Peer Specialist [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4et58yafsfwejz53nhgpy/31420-FACT-Peer-Specialist.docx?rlkey=nvg49mpyqkesuursexx6eouop&st=ravt1bvd&dl=0]
Candidates must have a high school diploma and identify as having lived experience in recovery from mental health, substance use, or justice involvement. A Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification is required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in New York are often in steady demand, especially for clinicians who can support diverse age groups and handle assessments or admissions. These positions can be competitive because employers commonly look for independent licensure, while also considering associate-level candidates with clear growth toward full licensure. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your licensure status and assessment experience before applying.
SCSC Mental Health Provider $3,000 Sign-on Bonus!
Senior DSP - Residential