Community Outreach and Support Manager

Independent Living•Middletown, NY

About The Position

Community Outreach and Support Manager Middletown, NY Reports to: Director of Crisis Response and Community Programs Schedule: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm with flexibility based on the needs of the agency Pay Rate: $62,300/yr Benefits: 401(k) Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Paid time off Paid holidays from the first day of employment Paid lunch break About Independent Living, Inc. Since 1987, Independent Living Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in the Hudson Valley, of New York. Following the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities and community members’ lives are enriched by having services provided from a peer, life-experience perspective. Independent Living, Inc. offers full-time employees excellent medical, dental and vision benefits, company matched 401(k), paid holidays, generous paid time off, and competitive wages. To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/ Why Work with Us? At our organization, we believe that every person’s story has value and that lived experience is a powerful source of strength. When you join our team, you become part of a community that honors authenticity, personal growth, and the belief that all people deserve respect, dignity, and the chance to direct their own lives. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and those with diverse backgrounds to apply. Your Experience Matters We’re looking for a compassionate, community-minded leader who believes in the power of lived experience. This role is perfect for someone who has walked their own path, whether through mental health challenges, substance use recovery, disability, homelessness, incarceration, or other major life experiences and who wants to use that experience to support others. This role provides leadership rooted in the Independent Living philosophy; promoting self-direction, peer support, disability rights, and full inclusion for people of all ages and disabilities. We believe people are the experts in their own lives, and our job is to support them in leading the life they choose. As the Community Outreach & Support Manager, you will guide and support teams of Peer Specialists and other program staff, helping them deliver high-quality, person-centered services across programs in the community. You’ll also help strengthen relationships with partner organizations and keep our programs running smoothly and effectively. If you enjoy supporting others, building strong teams, and lifting up the voices of people with lived experience, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least five years of experience working with people with disabilities, and two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Lived experience with mental health challenges and the willingness to share parts of your story in supportive, appropriate ways.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Leadership qualities that include fairness, the ability to negotiate, and the ability to stay impartial.
Knowledge and understanding of disability-related systems and resources (e.g., ADA, OPWDD, Social Security benefits, housing and employment supports, vocational rehabilitation, etc.)
Knowledge of factors that contribute to mental health or substance use relapse
Familiarity with counseling approaches, documentation practices, and community dynamics
Ability to recognize when someone could benefit from Independent Living services and help make those connections

Responsibilities

Lead, support peer-driven programs while providing day-to-day leadership for community programs, including: Safe Options Support (SOS) Mental Health Outpatient Treatment and Rehabilitative Services (MHOTRS) Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET) Bridger Services at Garnet Health and Bon Secours
Supervise Team Leaders, Peer Specialists, and other program staff.
Offer coaching, supportive feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
Help staff stay grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented practices.
Coordinate team meetings, trainings, schedules, and communication.
Ensure services reflect the values of dignity, respect, self-determination, and meaningful choice.
Review documentation and data for accuracy and timeliness (e.g., in Foothold or other systems).
Monitor service quality, ensure contract requirements are met, and track program outcomes.
Prepare reports, scorecards, and metrics as needed.
Strengthen Community Partnerships by collaborating closely with partners such as Rehabilitation Support Services, Mental Health of Greater NY, and the Orange County Department of Mental Health Clinics.
Work together to support participant needs, coordinate care, and respond to crises.
Represent the agency at meetings, training events, and community gatherings.
Build positive relationships with internal departments and outside organizations.
Support quality improvement efforts and help design new initiatives.
Identify opportunities to make services more effective and accessible.
Oversee billing, administrative tasks, and contract compliance.
Act as a point of contact with outside agencies regarding program requirements.
Help resolve staff or participant concerns in a fair, supportive, and solution-focused way.
Offer site coverage and leadership support as required.
Take on other tasks needed to keep programs strong and sustainable.