Description
Title: Peer Recovery Specialist
Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt
Reports to: Manager - Onward Westchester
Base Location: Chappaqua
Pay Rate: $26.00/hr
Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm
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 personal recovery journey to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families navigating substance use recovery
- Help create pathways to hope, wellness, and independence through person-centered peer support
About the Role
The Peer Recovery Specialist uses lived experience with substance use recovery to provide encouragement, advocacy, and peer-based support to individuals and families navigating recovery journeys.
This role focuses on building trusting relationships, promoting self-directed recovery, and helping individuals access the tools, resources, and supports needed to achieve their personal goals. The Peer Recovery Specialist serves as a role model for recovery, resilience, and wellness while helping participants strengthen coping skills and community connections.
What You’ll Do
- Connect with individuals and families who are navigating substance use recovery
- Share personal lived experience appropriately to build trust, inspire hope, and support recovery journeys
- Assist individuals in creating personalized recovery and wellness plans based on their goals and strengths
- Provide peer support in person, over the phone, through text communication, and in group settings
- Teach wellness tools, coping skills, and recovery strategies that promote long-term success
- Advocate alongside individuals to help them access community resources and services, such as:
- Housing
- Health care
- Transportation
- Education
- Employment
- Legal or civic support
- Support participants in obtaining services related to housing, healthcare, transportation, education, employment, and legal or civic needs
- Facilitate or co-facilitate self-help groups, educational workshops, and peer support meetings
- Provide calm, compassionate support during times of crisis and connect individuals to appropriate resources
- Collaborate with partner agencies and community providers to strengthen support networks
- Encourage self-advocacy, independence, and confidence in navigating systems of care
- Maintain accurate documentation, data tracking, and reports in compliance with program requirements
- Participate in trainings, supervision, team meetings, and professional development opportunities
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:
- Personal or family experience with substance use recovery and comfort using lived experience in supportive and professional ways
- Willingness to undergo jail, hospital, etc., onboarding
- Strong belief that recovery is individualized and that multiple pathways to recovery exist
- Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
- Compassionate, dependable, and self-motivated approach to supporting others
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team
- Flexibility to meet the scheduling needs of participants and program operations
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training and skill development
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid unrestricted driver’s license
It would be a plus if you also have:
- Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification or willingness to obtain
- NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification
- Two years of peer coaching, advocacy, recovery support, or related experience
- Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills strongly preferred
- American Sign Language (ASL) skills
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
- Strong, trusting relationships developed with participants and families
- Increased participant engagement in recovery services and peer support activities
- Effective advocacy and successful connections to community-based resources
- Compassionate and appropriate support provided during crisis situations
- Timely and accurate completion of documentation and reporting requirements
- Positive collaboration with partner agencies and community organizations
- Ongoing growth in peer support, recovery coaching, and facilitation skills
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/
