Peer Recovery Specialist

Description

Title: Peer Recovery Specialist

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Recovery Center Program Manager

Base Location: Newburgh

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Pay Rate: $24.16/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 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 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 direct, meaningful impact by helping others navigate recovery, build resilience, and achieve self-directed goals
• Play a vital role in fostering hope and independence by connecting individuals to resources, supporting wellness planning, and promoting person-centered recovery journeys

About the Role

The Peer Recovery Specialist uses lived experience with substance use recovery, mental health challenges, or other life transitions to provide encouragement, support, and guidance to individuals on their own recovery journey.

This role focuses on building meaningful connections, promoting self-direction, and helping individuals identify and achieve their personal recovery and wellness goals. The Peer Recovery Specialist plays a key role in fostering hope, resilience, and independence while connecting individuals to community resources and supports.

What You’ll Do

• Connect with individuals one-on-one and in group settings to provide encouragement, active listening, and peer support
• Assist participants in developing personalized recovery and wellness goals based on their own priorities
• Share coping strategies, tools, and insights from lived experience to support recovery
• Provide support during moments of crisis with a calm, nonjudgmental approach and connect individuals to appropriate resources
• Advocate alongside individuals to help them access services, supports, and accommodations
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led support groups focused on recovery, wellness, and life skills
• Educate participants and families about substance use, recovery pathways, and available community resources
• Build and support peer-led networks and self-help groups
• Participate in community outreach, events, and tabling to promote recovery services and harm reduction strategies, including Narcan education
• Respond to inquiries from community members in person, by phone, text, or online
• Support individuals in accessing resources such as housing, healthcare, employment, education, transportation, and legal assistance
• Encourage self-advocacy, independence, and confidence in navigating systems
• Serve as a role model by demonstrating that recovery and personal growth are possible
• Assist individuals in understanding their rights and navigating complex systems
• Identify trends in barriers or service gaps and share feedback to improve programs
• Collaborate with community providers and partner organizations to expand support networks
• Complete required documentation, data entry, and reports in a timely manner
• Maintain knowledge of community resources, recovery trends, and harm reduction practices
• Attend trainings, team meetings, and professional development opportunities
• Provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) as needed

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Personal lived experience with substance use recovery and willingness to share appropriately to support others
• Strong belief in multiple pathways to recovery and person-centered support
• Passion for helping individuals build independence and self-advocacy skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and work both independently and as part of a team
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• High school diploma or equivalent

It would be a plus if you also have:

• CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification
• Experience with community outreach, group facilitation, or peer support services
• Knowledge of local resources and recovery-oriented systems of care

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• Strong, trusting relationships built with participants
• Effective support provided during recovery and crisis situations
• Increased participant engagement in services and peer-led activities
• Successful connections to community resources and supports
• Timely and accurate completion of documentation and reports
• Active participation in outreach efforts and community engagement
• Demonstrated growth in peer support skills and recovery practices

What we will provide to you

• 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

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.

If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.

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