Peer Bridger

Independent Living•Middletown, NY

2d•$24

About The Position

Peer Bridger Middletown, NY Job Type Full-time Reports to: Community Outreach and Support Manager Schedule: Monay - Friday 8:30a – 4:30p Pay Rate: $24.19/hr 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 This position will float between Bon Secours Hospital and Garnet Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY Why Work with Us? 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 Independent Living, Inc., we believe that people with lived experience are not just valuable, they are essential. Our work is rooted in the Independent Living philosophy, which promotes self-direction, peer support, disability rights, and full inclusion for people of all ages and disabilities. When you join our team, you are joining a mission-driven organization that truly understands the power of lived experience. We invest in our Peer Bridgers by providing training, supervision, and ongoing professional development, while also respecting your autonomy, voice, and expertise. Your story matters here and it is seen as a strength, not something to hide. We offer a supportive, collaborative work environment where peers are respected as professionals, encouraged to grow, and empowered to help shape systems that impact their communities. You’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful change in people’s lives while continuing your own personal and professional journey. This is more than a job, it’s a chance to turn lived experience into leadership, advocacy, and hope. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and those with diverse backgrounds to apply. Your Experience Matters A Peer Bridger is someone who walks alongside people during a critical time of transition when they are leaving a hospital, treatment program, or other structured setting and returning to life in the community. What makes this role special is that Peer Bridgers draw from their own lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, incarceration, disability, or navigating complex systems. If you’ve ever been through something difficult, learned from it, and now want to support others in finding stability, independence, and hope, you may already be qualified for this role, even if you’ve never worked in a “peer” position before. This role is grounded in the Independent Living philosophy, which believes that people of all ages and disabilities have the right to self-direction, dignity, choice, and full participation in their communities. Peer support is not about “fixing” people, it’s about partnership, respect, and shared understanding.

Requirements

Have personal lived experience as someone who has used mental health services and are comfortable sharing parts of your story when it helps others
Believe strongly in recovery, self-direction, multiple pathways to recovery, and people’s right to make their own choices
Are curious about how systems work and motivated to help people navigate them
Can work independently, manage your time well, and stay organized
Communicate clearly and respectfully, both in writing and in conversation
Are open to learning, training, and growing in the role
Have a valid unrestricted driver’s license
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Are willing to complete the CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) within 6 months of hire
High school diploma/equivalent required
Are willing to complete required advocacy trainings within the first 6 months
Are willing to undergo hospital onboarding

Responsibilities

Build trusting, supportive relationships with individuals who are transitioning back into the community
Share your lived experience, when appropriate, to offer encouragement, hope, and practical insight
Support people in identifying their own goals and creating a transition plan that reflects what matters to them
Assist with discharge planning and staying connected with hospital discharge teams and community providers
Help people understand their rights, navigate systems, access services, and resolve challenges
Connect individuals to supports such as housing, benefits, employment, education, self-help groups, and community resources of their choice
Encourage independence, confidence, self-determination, and independent living skills
Lead or co-lead support groups centered on recovery, wellness, and life skills
Provide one-on-one peer support and advocacy
Notice patterns or barriers in systems and speaking up, alongside others, to help improve how services work
Educate individuals, families, and community partners about disability rights, recovery options, and available resources
Participate in community forums to listen to lived experiences, share information, and strengthen partnerships
Complete required documentation and reports in a timely and accurate way
Attend trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities provided by Independent Living, Inc.
Provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) when needed.