Emergency Response Peer Support Professional - UNLICENSED PROFESSIONAL

Title: Emergency Response Support Professional

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Emergency Response Clinical Manager

Base Location: Cornwall

Schedule: Saturday - Wednesday 10am-6pm

Pay Rate: $58,000/yr (UNLICENSED PROFESSIONAL)

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
• Be part of a frontline crisis response team making an immediate, life-changing impact during some of the most critical moments in people’s lives
• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment alongside a clinician and peers where compassion, quick thinking, and human connection are at the center of every response

About the Role

The Emergency Response Support Professional is a key member of a mobile crisis response team, providing immediate, compassionate, and person-centered support to individuals and families experiencing substance use, mental health, or co-occurring crises.

Working alongside licensed clinicians and peer professionals, this role focuses on de-escalation, emotional support, resource connection, and advocacy. This position plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate crisis situations while promoting recovery, safety, and self-determination.

What You’ll Do

• Respond to emergency and pre-emergency calls as part of a mobile crisis response team
• Provide on-site support during crises, including overdoses, relapses, and mental health emergencies
• Deliver calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to individuals and families
• Offer emotional support, encouragement, and hope grounded in recovery principles
• Assist individuals and families in understanding substance use, mental health challenges, and recovery pathways
• Support families and loved ones in navigating crisis situations and accessing help
• Connect individuals to community resources, including treatment programs, support groups, housing, and healthcare services
• Collaborate with the Orange County Crisis Call Center and Mobile Response Team for additional support when needed
• Provide education on harm reduction strategies and safety planning
• Advocate for individuals’ rights, preferences, and access to services
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and referral options
• Complete accurate and timely documentation following each response
• Participate in trainings, team meetings, and continuing education opportunities

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Masters in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or a related field
• Willingness to become a licensed professional in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or a related field with in 6 months of employment
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Comfort working in community-based settings, including homes and alongside first responders
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• Basic computer skills with the ability to complete documentation accurately and on time
• Understanding of and openness to multiple pathways to recovery

It would be a plus if you also have:

• Willingness to obtain NYCPS or CPRA certification within the first year
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about recovery principles, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Lived or professional experience with mental health, substance use, or justice system involvement
• Strong ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively in crisis situations
• Demonstrated empathy, active listening skills, and a non-judgmental approach
• Belief in person-centered care and multiple pathways to recovery

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• Effective, compassionate responses to crisis situations
• Strong engagement and rapport with individuals and families in distress
• Timely and accurate completion of documentation and reports
• Successful connection of individuals to appropriate services and resources
• Positive collaboration with team members and community partners
• Demonstrated growth in crisis response skills and recovery-oriented 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/