Peer Diversion Specialist

Independent Living • Middletown, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Diversion Specialist provides compassionate outreach, advocacy, and recovery-oriented peer support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, substance use concerns, or social isolation. This role focuses on helping individuals remain connected to community-based supports, reduce crises, and build recovery plans that promote independence, wellness, and self-determination. The Peer Diversion Specialist works closely with hospitals, mobile crisis teams, law enforcement, and community organizations to support individuals during vulnerable moments and provide follow-up care that encourages long-term stability and recovery.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, or other life challenges and a desire to use those experiences to support others
• A compassionate, empathetic, and recovery-oriented approach to peer support
• The ability to build trust and meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about behavioral health systems, peer support models, and community resources
• A willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential or willingness to obtain certification
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification
• Two years of peer support, advocacy, outreach, or related experience
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills or American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency
• Familiarity with local behavioral health, housing, and disability-related resources

Responsibilities

• Connect with individuals in the community who are experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, or lack of support, offering encouragement, advocacy, and practical assistance during difficult times
• Provide peer-to-peer support and recovery-focused encouragement to individuals during times of vulnerability to help prevent crises and unnecessary hospitalizations
• Collaborate with hospitals, mobile mental health teams, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to coordinate support services and strengthen community-based care
• Conduct follow-up outreach with individuals referred by hospitals, emergency responders, and community programs to provide wellness planning, peer counseling, advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• Support individuals in developing psychiatric advance directives and other recovery-oriented wellness plans that reflect their goals and preferences for care
• Serve as a mentor and advocate by helping individuals protect their rights, access services, resolve barriers, and strengthen self-advocacy skills
• Identify and communicate community needs and service gaps to program leadership to support ongoing program improvement and responsiveness
• Maintain accurate documentation and actively participate in trainings, supervision, and team meetings

Benefits

• Paid holidays from the first day of employment
• Paid lunch break
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED