Street Outreach Engagement Peer

Independent Living Inc•Town of New Castle, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Street Outreach and Engagement Peer Chappaqua, NY 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. This is more than just a job. It’s a way to turn your lived experience into leadership and offer someone else the kind of support you may have once needed. We believe in second chances, personal growth, and the power of peer support. When you join our team, you’ll be valued not despite your journey, but because of it. We offer, a supportive, team-centered environment where your voice matters, opportunities for training, certification, and personal development, the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life every day, and community-based work where your lived experience is your superpower. Not sure you meet every qualification? That’s okay. If your life experience gives you insight and compassion, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help build a community where support comes from those who truly understand. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and those with diverse backgrounds to apply. Have you lived through challenges like addiction, mental health struggles, incarceration, or housing instability—and come out the other side with hard-won wisdom, strength, and compassion? If so, you may be the kind of person who can make a real difference in someone else’s life. We’re looking for someone with lived experience to serve as a Street Outreach & Engagement Peer, a trusted support for people navigating the tough road of recovery, especially those who may be living on the streets, in shelters, or just disconnected from care. Whether or not you’ve held a job like this before, if you can connect with others through empathy, honesty, and shared experience, you have something powerful to offer. This is a hands-on, in-the-community role. You’ll connect with individuals where they are unhoused, in shelters, at community events, or responding to outreach calls. This is a role that’s about walking with people, not doing for them, offering encouragement, support, and real understanding.

Requirements

Have personal or family experience with substance use recovery and are comfortable sharing your story in supportive ways.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Feel comfortable sharing parts of their personal story to help others feel less alone.
Knows what it’s like to navigate systems (like treatment programs, benefits, housing, legal aid, etc.) and can help others do the same.
Believes that people can change and grow, no matter where they’re starting from.
Is dependable, self-motivated, and able to stay organized, even when juggling a lot.
Communicate well, in person, over text, and by phone.
Is open to ongoing learning, growth, and support.

Nice To Haves

CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) preferred, or willing to complete within 6 months.
NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) preferred, or willing to complete within 1 year.
Experience providing peer support or advocacy.
Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Build trust with people who may feel left behind or unheard.
Listen without judgment and offer hope, based on your own experience.
Help people understand their options for treatment, support, and recovery.
Support people in creating their own recovery goals and wellness plans.
Share tools, information, and resources about housing, health, legal aid, benefits, jobs, and more.
Stand up for people’s rights and help them speak up for what they need.
Facilitate or support peer groups, educational sessions, or community events.
Offer emotional support and connection, especially in times of crisis.
Work closely with other service providers to ensure people get connected to the help they want.