Peer Diversion Specialist (W-Sat)

Job description

Peer Diversion Specialist (W-Sat)

nMiddletown, NY (

nJob Type

nFull-time

nDescription

nTitle: Peer Diversion Specialist

nPosition Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

nReports to: Diversion Program Manager

nBase Location: Middletown

nSchedule: Wednesday - Saturday 10am-8pm

nPay Rate: $25.00/hr

nAbout Independent Living, Inc.

nSince 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.

nWhy Work with Us?

nnnJoin a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living

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nnBe part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued

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nnBe 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

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nnHelp individuals experiencing mental health challenges and crises find hope, connection, and recovery through peer support and advocacy

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nnWork alongside hospitals, crisis teams, and community partners to create meaningful alternatives to hospitalization and strengthen community-based care

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n nAbout the Role

nThe Peer Diversion Specialist provides compassionate outreach, advocacy, and recovery-oriented peer support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, substance use concerns, or social isolation. This role focuses on helping individuals remain connected to community-based supports, reduce crises, and build recovery plans that promote independence, wellness, and self-determination.

nThe Peer Diversion Specialist works closely with hospitals, mobile crisis teams, law enforcement, and community organizations to support individuals during vulnerable moments and provide follow-up care that encourages long-term stability and recovery.

nWhat You’ll Do:

nnnConnect with individuals in the community who are experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, or lack of support, offering encouragement, advocacy, and practical assistance during difficult times

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nnProvide peer-to-peer support and recovery-focused encouragement to individuals during times of vulnerability to help prevent crises and unnecessary hospitalizations

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nnCollaborate with hospitals, mobile mental health teams, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to coordinate support services and strengthen community-based care

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nnConduct follow-up outreach with individuals referred by hospitals, emergency responders, and community programs to provide wellness planning, peer counseling, advocacy, and referrals to community resources

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nnSupport individuals in developing psychiatric advance directives and other recovery-oriented wellness plans that reflect their goals and preferences for care

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nnServe as a mentor and advocate by helping individuals protect their rights, access services, resolve barriers, and strengthen self-advocacy skills

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nnIdentify and communicate community needs and service gaps to program leadership to support ongoing program improvement and responsiveness

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nnMaintain accurate documentation and actively participate in trainings, supervision, and team meetings

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n nRequirements

nThe Ideal Candidate Will Have:

nnnHigh School diploma or equivalent

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nnLived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, or other life challenges and a desire to use those experiences to support others

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nnA compassionate, empathetic, and recovery-oriented approach to peer support

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nnThe ability to build trust and meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds

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nnStrong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills

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nnKnowledge of or willingness to learn about behavioral health systems, peer support models, and community resources

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nnA willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities

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nnA valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

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n nIt Would Be a Plus If You Also Have:

nnnCertified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential or willingness to obtain certification

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nnNYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification

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nnTwo years of peer support, advocacy, outreach, or related experience

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nnBachelor’s degree in human services or a related field

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nnBilingual English/Spanish skills or American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency

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nnFamiliarity with local behavioral health, housing, and disability-related resources

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n nSuccess in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through:

nnnBuilding positive and trusting relationships with individuals receiving services

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nnSuccessfully connecting individuals to community-based resources and recovery supports

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nnHelping reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improving continuity of care through effective outreach and follow-up

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nnSupporting individuals in achieving greater independence, self-advocacy, and wellness

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nnMaintaining timely, accurate documentation and strong collaboration with community partners and team members

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nnDemonstrating professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to recovery-oriented care in all interactions

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n nBenefits available to you include:

nnnPaid holidays from the first day of employment

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nnPaid lunch break

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nnPaid time off

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nn401(k) with company match

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nnHealth, Dental and Vision insurance

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nnFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

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nnCompany provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance

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nnVoluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

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n nWe 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 .

nILI 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.

nTo apply, visit us at

nSalary Description

n$25.00

Worksite address

middletown, NY, 10940, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.