Peer Mobile Emergency Response Specialist at Independent Living Inc – Middletown, New York

Title: Peer Mobile Emergency Response Specialist

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Emergency Response Clinical Manager

Base Location: Middletown

About the Role

The Peer Mobile Emergency Response Specialist serves as a key member of a first-response team supporting individuals experiencing crisis or pre-crisis situations related to substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Using lived experience, empathy, and recovery-oriented principles, this role provides immediate, person-centered peer support in high-pressure situations. The position emphasizes harm reduction, connection to services, and empowering individuals toward recovery and stability.

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 (IL) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities and use personal, lived experience to support others in the community – turning perceived deficits into assets.

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, inclusive culture that values diversity, respect, and innovation
• Play a critical leadership role in shaping and modernizing the organization’s technology infrastructure
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on staff effectiveness and service delivery through technology

What You’ll Do

• Work collaboratively with the Independent Living team, Program Manager, clinical partners, and emergency medical services to respond to crisis situations
• Provide individualized, compassionate peer support during emergencies and periods of heightened vulnerability
• Remain on-site with clinical team members as needed to offer emotional support and connection
• Collaborate with partners to develop response strategies that reduce harm, prevent relapse, and minimize repeat crises
• Educate individuals, families, and supports on harm reduction practices and recovery options
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and assist individuals in accessing treatment and services
• Advocate for individuals by protecting their rights and helping them navigate systems and resolve concerns
• Refer individuals to ongoing supports, including the Orange County Crisis Call Center
• Represent participant perspectives to program leadership to improve services and outcomes
• Encourage self-determination, personal empowerment, and independent living skill development
• Complete all required documentation and reports accurately and in a timely manner
• Attend and actively participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders and willingness to share appropriately to support others
• Strong belief in recovery, resilience, and multiple pathways to wellness
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in crisis situations
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to learn and grow within the role
• Basic computer skills for documentation, communication, and service coordination
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn community resources and support systems
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have:

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or willingness to obtain
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field (preferred but not required)
• Two years of peer support, advocacy, or related experience
• Bilingual in English/Spanish (strongly preferred) or ASL skills

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through:

• Effective, compassionate response to crisis situations
• Strong, trust-based relationships with individuals served
• Reduced repeat crisis incidents through effective intervention and support
• Increased connection of individuals to treatment, recovery supports, and community resources
• Positive collaboration with clinical teams, EMS, and community partners
• Timely and accurate completion of documentation and reporting
• Promotion of empowerment, self-advocacy, and recovery among participants

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 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/