What are the responsibilities and job description for the Independent Living Peer Specialist position at WNY Independent Living Inc.?
Buffalo, NY. WNY Independent Living. Independent Living Peer Specialist.
FT. Benefits. $45,000-$47,000/Year.
Closing Date: August 11, 2026
Description
This position will coordinate and provide training and support to consumers of ACCES-VR
services, as well as coordinate and provide disability peer training to ACCES-VR staff and
vendors. This position will be overseen by WNYIL while located at the ACCES-VR District
Office.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
services.
working alongside Peer Independent Living Specialists in areas described in the training
plan approved by the ACCES-VR District Office.
Education & Training
Associate Degree in Human Services or related field
OR
Bachelors degree in Human Services or related field
Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic
credentials.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if Required)
Associate degree requires two (2) years related work or volunteer experience in the Human
Service Field.
Bachelors degree requires one (1) year of work or volunteer experience in the Human
Service Field.
Must Have Personal Experience With Disabilities.
Must have experience related to disability services; specific experience providing above
services is highly preferred.
Must have working knowledge of people with disabilities and state and federal laws
pertaining to the rights of people with disabilities.
Skills & Abilities
Must be able to independently travel throughout the western region of ACCES-VR (Allegany,
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming).
Must have an intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel
spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and networks.
Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a
better quality of life for people with disabilities.
Submit Resume And Cover Letter To
Human Resources Dept.
WNY Independent Living, Inc.
3108 Main St.
Buffalo, N.Y. 14214
Email: employment@wnyil.org
FT. Benefits. $45,000-$47,000/Year.
Closing Date: August 11, 2026
Description
This position will coordinate and provide training and support to consumers of ACCES-VR
services, as well as coordinate and provide disability peer training to ACCES-VR staff and
vendors. This position will be overseen by WNYIL while located at the ACCES-VR District
Office.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- The Independent Living Peer Specialist will work directly with ACCES-VR Vocational
services.
- Ensure provision of a minimum of six group trainings, that are thirty to sixty minutes in
working alongside Peer Independent Living Specialists in areas described in the training
plan approved by the ACCES-VR District Office.
- Ensure provision of at least quarterly information and training sessions to District Office
- Teach consumers basic self-advocacy/self-sufficiency skills.
- Teach consumers how to request/obtain reasonable accommodations.
- Assist consumers with obtaining Medicaid buy in for working people with disabilities.
- Assist consumers with learning healthcare self-management.
- Assist consumers with creating a plan for achieving self-support (PASS)
- Teach consumers how to coordinate transportation services and support.
- Teach consumers to understand their rights and responsibilities in employment as a
Education & Training
Associate Degree in Human Services or related field
OR
Bachelors degree in Human Services or related field
Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic
credentials.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if Required)
Associate degree requires two (2) years related work or volunteer experience in the Human
Service Field.
Bachelors degree requires one (1) year of work or volunteer experience in the Human
Service Field.
Must Have Personal Experience With Disabilities.
Must have experience related to disability services; specific experience providing above
services is highly preferred.
Must have working knowledge of people with disabilities and state and federal laws
pertaining to the rights of people with disabilities.
Skills & Abilities
Must be able to independently travel throughout the western region of ACCES-VR (Allegany,
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming).
Must have an intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel
spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and networks.
Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a
better quality of life for people with disabilities.
Submit Resume And Cover Letter To
Human Resources Dept.
WNY Independent Living, Inc.
3108 Main St.
Buffalo, N.Y. 14214
Email: employment@wnyil.org
Salary : $45,000 - $47,000