Peer Recovery Specialist - Reach One in NEWBURGH, New York at Independent Living Inc

Title: Peer Recovery Specialist – Reach One

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Recovery Center Program Manager

Base Location: Newburgh

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $25.39/hr

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 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.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc

Why Work with Us?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non-visible disabilities
• Use your lived experience to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families in recovery
• Help strengthen community connections and expand access to recovery supports and wellness services

About the Role

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• 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

It Would Be a Plus if You Also Have

• 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)
• Experience facilitating peer support groups or wellness workshops

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Increased engagement of individuals and families in recovery-oriented services and supports
• Successful connection of individuals to treatment, housing, employment, healthcare, and community resources
• Development of effective recovery and wellness plans that support personal goals and long-term recovery
• Strong partnerships with community providers and support organizations
• Positive outcomes related to individual empowerment, stabilization, and community integration
• Timely and accurate completion of required documentation and reporting

Benefits available to you include:

• 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

We actively support an inclusive hiring process and encourage people with disabilities, visible and non-visible, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application or onboarding process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.

ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/