CTI Peer Specialist

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Full Time Professional Buffalo, NY, US

13 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $28.00 To $31.00 Hourly

For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to  repair the world.  Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

• Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time”
• Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and open access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful
• Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.

The Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Peer Specialist is responsible for providing support, mentorship, and guidance to individuals during the critical transition period as they move from institutional care (e.g., hospitals, shelters, correction facilities) to community‑based settings. Peer Specialists are individuals who have personally navigated similar challenges, such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, homelessness, or incarceration. The Peer Specialist uses their lived experience to build trust and provide emotional support, helping clients navigate challenges, access resources, and maintain stability as they reintegrate into the community.

Their personal experiences enable them to offer authentic support, guidance, and hope to clients, helping them engage with services and stay connected during critical transitions.

A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services.

• At capacity, will maintain an active weighted caseload of 15 adults experiencing periods of critical transitions.
• Will function as a member of a larger multidisciplinary team providing education, support and resources to both team members and client’s receptive to services.
• Use lived experience to provide empathy, understanding, and nonjudgmental support to clients during their transition.
• Offer encouragement, practical advice, and hope to help clients believe in their ability to achieve long‑term success and recovery.
• Utilize personal experience, coping strategies, and resources that were helpful during your own recovery or transition for specific purpose of helping a client move forward in their treatment.
• Foster a positive, supportive relationship with clients, encouraging self‑advocacy and empowerment.
• Help clients identify and access community‑based resources, such as housing, healthcare, mental health services, employment opportunities, and social services.
• Assist clients in navigating complex service systems, including making appointments, filling out applications, and connecting with support networks.
• Advocate for clients in accessing the services they need, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by barriers or institutional systems.
• Build rapport with clients to help them feel safe, supported, and motivated to engage in services during their critical transition period.
• Provide ongoing support through regular check‑ins, visits, or phone calls, helping clients remain engaged in the process of…