Peer Recovery Specialist - Reach One

Independent Living•Newburgh, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities throughout 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, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives to the services we provide. ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities. The Peer Recovery Specialist – Reach One provides peer-based support and advocacy to individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use recovery. This role utilizes lived experience to promote hope, resilience, wellness, and self-determination while assisting individuals in accessing services, building recovery skills, and connecting to community supports that foster long-term recovery and independence.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Lived experience with substance use recovery and/or mental health recovery
Strong understanding of the recovery process and commitment to promoting multiple pathways to recovery
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to work independently
Ability to use appropriate self-disclosure to support and engage individuals in recovery
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA or CRPA-P) certification
New York Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (NYCPS or NYCPS-P) certification
Bilingual Spanish/English proficiency
Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL)

Responsibilities

Serve as a source of encouragement, support, and advocacy for individuals throughout all stages of mental health and substance use recovery, including co-occurring disorders
Assist individuals and families in navigating substance use and mental health treatment systems and overcoming barriers to care, including insurance-related challenges
Promote multiple pathways to recovery and collaborate with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program partnerships
Facilitate peer support groups, educational workshops, and wellness-based activities grounded in the 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Support individuals in developing personalized recovery service plans and identifying actionable recovery goals
Utilize recovery-oriented tools and strategies to assist individuals in addressing personal challenges and barriers
Assist individuals in developing self-directed wellness plans and Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP)
Connect individuals to benefits, entitlements, transportation, housing, healthcare, legal assistance, education, employment, and other community resources
Empower individuals in decision-making and self-advocacy efforts
Establish and sustain peer-led and family-focused support and educational groups
Provide peer support and guidance during times of crisis
Coordinate activities that encourage engagement, wellness, employment readiness, self-management, and community integration
Promote stabilization, increased independence, and improved quality of life for individuals in recovery
Maintain current knowledge of recovery-oriented systems, services, and supports
Advocate for individuals’ rights and assist them in accessing services and resolving concerns related to community supports
Serve as a mentor and positive role model to inspire hope and recovery
Build collaborative relationships with agency providers and community support organizations
Complete required documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping in a timely and accurate manner
Attend and actively participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities relevant to the position