Family Support Peer (SUD) in NEWBURGH, New York at Independent Living Inc

Title: Family Support Peer (SUD)

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Program Manager (SUD)

Base Location: Newburgh

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $25.00/hr

***This position provides supports and services throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties. ***

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
• Make a meaningful impact by empowering families affected by substance use through evidence-based peer support and education.
• Help individuals and families navigate complex treatment systems while promoting hope, resilience, and multiple pathways to recovery.
• Build strong community partnerships through outreach, education, advocacy, and overdose prevention initiatives.

About the Role

The Family Support Peer provides compassionate, recovery-oriented peer support to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. This position delivers Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) services, helps families navigate treatment and recovery systems, and connects individuals with community resources that promote long-term wellness. The Family Support Peer serves as an advocate, educator, and mentor while fostering self-directed recovery, strengthening family engagement, and supporting access to recovery-oriented services.

What You'll Do

• Deliver Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) services to individuals and families affected by substance use.
• Educate families on the progression of addiction, recovery principles, and strategies to support their loved ones.
• Assist individuals in developing person-centered recovery service plans aligned with their goals and strengths.
• Utilize recovery-oriented tools to support wellness planning, self-advocacy, and informed decision-making.
• Connect individuals to community resources, including healthcare, housing, employment, education, transportation, legal assistance, benefits, and other support services.
• Help families and participants navigate insurance barriers and access substance use treatment services.
• Advocate for individuals and families while promoting multiple pathways to recovery, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Provide crisis support and encourage engagement in recovery services.
• Facilitate family support groups and recovery-focused educational sessions.
• Conduct community outreach through tabling events, presentations, and awareness activities.
• Complete required training to become a Narcan trainer and provide overdose prevention education to community members.
• Accurately maintain documentation, data entry, and program records in accordance with organizational and funding requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Provide program coverage during extended staff absences and perform other duties as assigned.
• Use personal experiences to foster resiliency, recovery, and wellness, offering guidance, mentoring, and non-crisis support in individual or group settings, for family caregivers.
• Support clients in developing self-advocacy skills, navigating service systems, and connecting with community resources.

The ideal candidate will have

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of peer coaching, recovery coaching, family support, advocacy, or related experience.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery, either personally or as a family member or loved one, with the ability to appropriately use self-disclosure to support participants.
• Strong understanding of the recovery process and commitment to promoting multiple pathways to recovery.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and active listening skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, documentation, and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid unrestricted driver's license with reliable transportation.
• Candidates who do not hold an approved advocacy certification will be required to obtain one within the first six (6) months of employment.

It would be a plus if you also have

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS), or another approved peer advocacy certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience delivering Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) or other evidence-based family support models.
• Experience facilitating support groups or delivering community education.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL).

Success in this role will be demonstrated through

• Empowering individuals and families to successfully navigate recovery resources and treatment systems.
• Developing meaningful, person-centered recovery plans that support long-term wellness and self-sufficiency.
• Building trusting relationships through compassionate, trauma-informed peer support and advocacy.
• Increasing engagement in treatment, recovery services, and community supports.
• Delivering high-quality outreach, family education, Narcan training, and support group facilitation.
• Maintaining accurate documentation, meeting program performance expectations, and contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.

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/