Forensic ACT Peer Specialist

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.