Peer Recovery Specialist

Independent Living•Newburgh, NY

11d•$24

About The Position

Peer Recovery Specialist Newburgh, NY Reports to: Recovery Center Program Manager Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday Tuesday 11am – 7pm Wednesday thru Saturday: 9am – 5pm Pay Rate: $24.16/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 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 you’ll make a real impact using your valuable lived experience. We live the Independent Living philosophy working in a culture that respects autonomy, choice, and the belief that people can direct their own lives with the right supports. You will be a part of a supportive team environment where you’ll be a part of a community of peers and professionals who believe in collaboration, compassion, and showing up for one another. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity and hope. When you join our team, you’ll be supported with paid training and help earning your peer certification(s), ongoing supervision from experienced professionals, opportunities for personal and professional growth in a welcoming, mission-driven workplace and the satisfaction of making a real difference in your community every day. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and those with diverse backgrounds to apply. Your Experience Matters A Peer Recovery Specialist is someone who uses their own lived experience with substance use recovery, mental health challenges, incarceration, trauma, disability, or any major life transition to support others who are on their own journey. If you’ve ever wished you could turn your hard-earned experience with your substance use recovery journey into something that helps people feel less alone and more hopeful, this role might be a great fit. You don’t need a degree to make a difference here. Your empathy, your resilience, and your understanding of what it feels like to struggle, and grow are real qualifications. We believe in the Independent Living philosophy: people can and should have control over their own lives, make their own decisions, and build the future they want with the right support. Are you someone who has lived through substance use recovery and come out stronger? Do you believe your journey could help someone else find hope? If so, this role may be a perfect fit.

Requirements

Have personal lived experience with substance use recovery and feel comfortable sharing parts of your story in a thoughtful, helpful way.
Believe in multiple pathways to recovery. There is no one “right” way.
Are passionate about helping people strengthen their independence and self-advocacy.
Have strong communication skills and enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life.
Can organize your time, follow through on tasks, and work both independently and as part of a team.
Have a valid unrestricted driver’s license.
CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate), if you don’t have it yet, you must complete it within 6 months of hire.
High school diploma/equivalent required.
Must be willing to complete required advocacy trainings within the first 6 months.

Nice To Haves

NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Connect with people one-on-one and in small groups to offer encouragement, active listening, and practical support.
Help participants create their own recovery goals and wellness plans, based on what they decide matters most.
Share tools and coping strategies that have been helpful in your own life.
Support people in moments of crisis by offering calm, nonjudgmental guidance and connection to resources.
Advocate with individuals so they can get the supports, services, or accommodations they need.
Lead or co-lead support groups centered on recovery, wellness, and life skills.
Help participants and families learn about substance use, recovery pathways, and resources available in the community.
Build and sustain peer-led groups and self-help spaces where people can support one another.
Participate in community events, outreach, and tabling to share information about recovery, harm reduction (including Narcan education), and available services.
Engage with people at events, both scheduled and spontaneous, and build connections with community partners.
Respond to inquiries from community members in person, by phone, text, or online.
Support individuals in accessing benefits, legal assistance, civic restoration, transportation, health care, housing, education, employment, and other resources of their choice.
Encourage self-advocacy, self-direction, and confidence in navigating systems.
Act as a role model by showing that recovery, wellness, and personal growth are possible in many different ways.
Help people understand their rights and navigate complex systems in ways that work for them.
Identify patterns in barriers or complaints and bring these forward to help improve programs and systems.
Work closely with other providers, agencies, and community services to ensure participants have access to a wide support network.
Complete documentation, data entry, and reports as required.
Maintain knowledge of local resources, disability-related issues, and trends in recovery and harm reduction.
Attend trainings and meetings, including those aligned with Independent Living values and peer support best practices.
Provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) when needed.