Peer Bridger at Independent Living Inc – Middletown, New York

Peer Bridger

Middletown, NY

Job Type

Full-time

Reports to:

Community Outreach and Support Manager

Schedule:

Monay - Friday 8:30a – 4:30p

Pay Rate: $24.19/hr

Benefits:

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid time off

Paid holidays from the first day of employment

Paid lunch break

****This position will float between Bon Secours Hospital and Garnet Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY****

Why Work with Us?

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 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.

Independent Living, Inc. offers full-time employees excellent medical, dental and vision benefits, company matched 401(k), paid holidays, generous paid time off, and competitive wages.

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

Why Work with Us?

At Independent Living, Inc., we believe that people with lived experience are not just valuable, they are essential. Our work is rooted in the Independent Living philosophy, which promotes self-direction, peer support, disability rights, and full inclusion for people of all ages and disabilities.

When you join our team, you are joining a mission-driven organization that truly understands the power of lived experience. We invest in our Peer Bridgers by providing training, supervision, and ongoing professional development, while also respecting your autonomy, voice, and expertise. Your story matters here and it is seen as a strength, not something to hide.

We offer a supportive, collaborative work environment where peers are respected as professionals, encouraged to grow, and empowered to help shape systems that impact their communities. You’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful change in people’s lives while continuing your own personal and professional journey.

This is more than a job, it’s a chance to turn lived experience into leadership, advocacy, and hope.

We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and those with diverse backgrounds to apply.

Your Experience Matters

A Peer Bridger is someone who walks alongside people during a critical time of transition when they are leaving a hospital, treatment program, or other structured setting and returning to life in the community. What makes this role special is that Peer Bridgers draw from their own lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, incarceration, disability, or navigating complex systems.

If you’ve ever been through something difficult, learned from it, and now want to support others in finding stability, independence, and hope, you may already be qualified for this role, even if you’ve never worked in a “peer” position before.

This role is grounded in the Independent Living philosophy, which believes that people of all ages and disabilities have the right to self-direction, dignity, choice, and full participation in their communities. Peer support is not about “fixing” people, it’s about partnership, respect, and shared understanding.

What You’ll Do

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with individuals who are transitioning back into the community
• Share your lived experience, when appropriate, to offer encouragement, hope, and practical insight
• Support people in identifying their own goals and creating a transition plan that reflects what matters to them
• Assist with discharge planning and staying connected with hospital discharge teams and community providers
• Help people understand their rights, navigate systems, access services, and resolve challenges
• Connect individuals to supports such as housing, benefits, employment, education, self-help groups, and community resources of their choice
• Encourage independence, confidence, self-determination, and independent living skills
• Lead or co-lead support groups centered on recovery, wellness, and life skills
• Provide one-on-one peer support and advocacy
• Notice patterns or barriers in systems and speaking up, alongside others, to help improve how services work
• Educate individuals, families, and community partners about disability rights, recovery options, and available resources
• Participate in community forums to listen to lived experiences, share information, and strengthen partnerships
• Complete required documentation and reports in a timely and accurate way
• Attend trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities provided by Independent Living, Inc.
• Provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) when needed.

This Role Could Be a Great Fit If You

• Have personal lived experience as someone who has used mental health services and are comfortable sharing parts of your story when it helps others
• Believe strongly in recovery, self-direction, multiple pathways to recovery, and people’s right to make their own choices
• Are curious about how systems work and motivated to help people navigate them
• Can work independently, manage your time well, and stay organized
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, both in writing and in conversation
• Are open to learning, training, and growing in the role
• Have a valid unrestricted driver’s license
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Are willing to complete the CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) within 6 months of hire
• High school diploma/equivalent required
• Are willing to complete required advocacy trainings within the first 6 months
• Are willing to undergo hospital onboarding

ILI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to a person's race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, citizenship or immigration status. arrest or conviction record or any other status protected by federal or state law.