CORTLAND, N.Y. (WHCU) — Officials in Cortland County are considering creating a new position for mental health.

It would be a part-time peer specialist. Sharon MacDougall is the Director of Community Services for the Mental Health Department. She believes staff should expand beyond medical experts.

“One of the things we’re finding is that licensed professionals are not the only key position that we need,” MacDougall says. “We need really to expand our services, and add in staff that have more peer advocacy support.”

MacDougall adds the position is “overdue.” Pay would range from $18 to $23 per hour.