Peer Advocate Youth Engagement Specialist in Middletown, New York at Independent Living Inc

Title: Peer Advocate and Youth Engagement Specialist

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Community Outreach and Support Manager

Base Location: Middletown

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $24.30/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 Join 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 difference by empowering youth and young adults to build independence, confidence, and a path toward self-sufficiency
• Utilize your lived experience to inspire others while growing professionally within a supportive, mission-focused organization

About the Role

The Peer Advocate and Youth Engagement Specialist assist the people we serve by teaching them independent living skills, helping to secure services and resources, and encourage personal empowerment and self-determination. You’ll also assist families and professionals in securing resources and services that meet the needs of transitional aged youth (18-25).

The ideal candidate must demonstrate the ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems, issues and legislation at both a local and statewide level which affect the persons we serve, this includes but is not limited to Social Security Benefits, Dept. of Social Services, Mental Hygiene Law, Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Independent Living philosophy.
• Network with mental health providers and community support services to maintain an integrated support system for young adults with psychiatric disabilities.
• Assist persons to access and navigate community support services.
• Facilitate and support the development of an integrated support network for individuals which includes but is not limited to case management, benefits advisement, supported housing, self-help, employment and educational services, in addition to other community supports individuals may wish to access.
• Provide a set of core services geared toward promoting self-help, equal access, peer role modeling, personal growth and empowerment.
• Provide counseling, time and attention, empathy, validation, someone to confide in and trust, guidance and modeling of effective community living on an as-needed basis, throughout the period of transition. Share ideas and experiences about living with a disability in order to gain greater awareness and control over one’s own life.
• Teach independent living skills that help people become self-sufficient in areas such as housing, travel transportation, personal self-management, employment, financial management and self-advocacy.
• Provide information and referral services with resources and options that are necessary in making informed choices about living, learning, and working independently. Encourage independence and autonomy by offering information, experiences and opportunities to make informed choices.
• Provide individual and systems advocacy to address access to equal opportunities in exercising social, economic, educational, and legal rights. Work with individuals, community organizations, state/national networks; to promote full inclusion of people with disabilities, and to improve the implementation of existing laws: federal, state, and local.
• Offer employment readiness services to support consumers in their efforts to prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce (i.e. help with preparing resumes and completing job applications).
• Provide and establish a set of core services geared toward youth promoting self-help, equal access, peer role modeling, personal growth and empowerment.
• Encourage personal empowerment, self-determination, while promoting independent living skill development.
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by the agency.
• Provides screening, navigation, and care coordination through the Social Care Network, connecting individuals to appropriate services and documenting outcomes.
• Actively contribute to the Emerging Adults Committee, supporting initiatives and cross-agency collaboration
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

The ideal candidate will have

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must complete approved advocacy training programs within the first six months of employment.
• Personal “lived” experience within the foster care system.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.
• Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
• Must possess an unrestricted valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

It would be a plus if you also have

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services plus two years of advocacy experience preferred.
• Experience as a “peer” and a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process (including but not limited to 12 step programs, Self Help and other alternative methods) are preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) capabilities a plus.
• Knowledge of ASL also desirable.

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Consistently connecting youth and young adults to appropriate services, supports, and community resources that align with their individualized goal
• Demonstrated progress of individuals toward greater independence in areas such as housing, employment, education, and daily living skills
• Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with community providers, families, and stakeholders to support coordinated care
• Accurate, timely completion of documentation, case notes, and required reports in compliance with agency and regulatory standards
• Effective engagement and trust-building with youth, evidenced by ongoing participation and goal attainment
• Advocacy efforts that result in increased access to services, removal of barriers, and improved outcomes for individuals served
• Active participation in trainings and application of learned knowledge to enhance service delivery and remain current on relevant laws, systems, and best practices

What We Will Provide to You

• A mission-driven and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities to lead and influence organizational technology strategy
• Collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams
• Professional growth through hands-on technical leadership and innovation
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact through technology

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/