Peer Specialist

TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE VACANCY

Inclusion Through Diversity

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Tompkins County Department of Human Resources Office

125

E. Court Street Ithaca, NY 14850

Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply

ISSUE DATE: 09/10/26

THE FINAL DATE TO FILE APPLICATIONS: 10/31/26

DATE THAT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM POSTING: 11/01/26

Candidates must have been legal residents of Tompkins County or one of the six adjoining counties (Cayuga,Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga) for at least one month immediately preceding the date of application and maintain residency. For Examinations:
The eligible list resulting from the examination will be established in accordance with the final earned numerical ratings of passing candidates regardless of residence. A municipality or district may exercise its right under section 23-4-a. of Civil Service Law to request a certification of eligible candidates who have been residents of that municipalityor district for at least one month prior to appointment.

After the names of residents have been exhausted, Tompkins County mustthen certify the names of non-residents on the list.

Tompkins County Whole Health is seeking a Peer Specialist, a 35-hour per week position with a Hire Rate of $22.02 per hour and a Work Rate of $23.19 per hour after 9 months. Must be a Certified Peer Specialist with NYS Academy of Peer Services Credentialing at time of application.

Based in the MHOTRS Clinic, this role supports individuals on their mental health recovery journey by providing person-centered support both individually and in groups, onsite in the clinic and through offsite community visits. Drawing on the strength of lived experience, the Peer Specialist helps clients build coping skills, strengthen self-advocacy, navigate services, and remain engagedin treatment goals.

The position works collaboratively with the clinical team while maintaining the unique peer-to-peer relationship that fosters hope,empowerment, and connection. Ideal candidates will bring empathy, strong communication skills, professionalism, healthy boundaries, flexibility, and a passion for recovery-oriented, person-driven care.

Completion of a high school diploma or GED

At time of application:

Must be a Certified Peer Specialist with NYS Academy of Peer Services Credentialing at time of application

Valid NYS Driver’s license at time of application and maintenance of such license for the duration of employment.

At time of Appointment:

Publicly self-identify as a person who has direct personal experience living a life of recovery, overcoming the challenges resulting from a diagnosis of mental illness.

Current or former recipient of mental health or dual diagnosis services

Not currently hospitalized

Have sufficient knowledge of recovery, overcoming challenges resulting from a diagnosis of mental illness to assist others with recovery.

Certification and necessary continuing education requirements must be maintained throughout employment with Tompkins County.

Tompkins County Government centers diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the empowerment of employees and residents to dismantle systemic barriers that inhibit inclusive governance and the provision of government services to all. Guidedby our values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Equity, and Stewardship, we strive to build a workplace and community rooted in trust, belonging, and opportunity for all.

Learn more about our Strategic Plan and Institutionalizing Equity Report, which embed equity across our operations.

This work involves the…