Peer Support Specialist

Buffalo, NY. WNY Independent Living, Inc. Peer Support Specialist.

FT. Benefits. $40,000- $42,000/Year.

Closing Date: May 19, 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 to mental health recipients to assist in finding employment.

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 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.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)

Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred. High school diploma or equivalent requires four (4) years of related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness. Associate Degree requires two (2) years of related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness. Bachelor's Degree requires one (1) year of related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

Cover Letter and Resume Required to:

Human Resources Dept. WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 employment@wnyil.org