Peer Specialist (SOS)

Peer Specialist (SOS)

Sullivan County

Reports to:

Director of Crisis Response and Community Programs

Schedule:

Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.

Pay Rate:

$23.45/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

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 bring wisdom, strength, and healing that cannot be taught in a classroom. When you join our Safe Options Support (SOS) team, you become part of a supportive community that values your voice, honors your story, and invests in your growth.

We offer a welcoming, inclusive environment where your experiences are seen as strengths. Opportunities to make a real difference in someone’s life, every single day. Here, you’re not just doing a job. You’re helping people find stability, dignity, and hope; and your own journey matters just as much as theirs.

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

Your Experience Matters

At Independent Living, Inc., we know that your lived experience is more than your past, it’s your strength. If you’ve ever used your own lived experience, whether with mental health challenges, substance use, housing instability, incarceration, or other life hurdles to support someone else, you already understand the heart of this job.

As a Peer Specialist, you’ll connect with people who are struggling, build trusting relationships, and walk alongside them as they work toward safer, healthier, more stable lives. You don’t need a traditional professional background to make a difference here. What matters most is empathy, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others find hope and possibility.

This is a community-based role where you’ll meet people where they are, literally, and offer understanding, encouragement, and practical support.

What You’ll Do

• Reach out to people in known gathering spots or “hot spots” to offer support, resources, and a caring connection.
• Use your own lived experience to meet people without judgment and help them feel understood.
• Get to know participants’ needs through conversation, observation, and simple assessment tools.
• Help people access housing, completing applications, preparing for interviews, coordinating move-in day, and helping them adjust to their new neighborhood.
• Join hospital discharge planning meetings to make sure returning patients are set up with the right community supports.
• Go with people to appointments, teach navigation of the transit system, and help remove barriers to receiving care.
• Work with participants and housing providers to resolve challenges that could affect someone’s ability to keep their home.
• Maintain strong relationships with community providers so participants stay connected to services that meet their needs.
• Gather and track information that helps the team understand what’s working and improve services.
• Keep clear records of progress, needs, and interactions.
• Attend training, supervision, and team meetings.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed.

This Role Could Be a Great Fit If You

• Personal lived experience with mental health, substance use, homelessness, or similar challenges.
• Experience supporting or advocating for people facing hard times, professionally or informally.
• Comfort working with people who are homeless or precariously housed.
• Basic knowledge of mental health, substance use, or community support resources or the willingness to learn.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to document work clearly and use basic computer tools.
• Good time management and the ability to work independently.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) and CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) certifications or willingness/eligibility to obtain it.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

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.