Peer Diversion Specialist

Peer Diversion Specialist

Full-time

Middletown, NY

Reports to:

Diversion Program Manager

Schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9a – 7p

Pay Rate: $25.00/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

Why Work with Us?

For Independent Living, Inc., this is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to turn your personal experience into a powerful force for change. You’ll work with a team that values your unique perspective and supports your growth. Together, we’ll make a difference, one connection at a time.

Your Experience Matters

Are you someone who has personal experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or navigating the support system? We believe your story and strength can make a real difference in the lives of others. As a Peer Diversion Specialist, you’ll use your lived experience to help people in our community who are facing tough times, especially those at risk of crisis or hospitalization, by offering support, guidance, and hope.

You don’t need formal degrees or fancy credentials to succeed here. What matters most is your empathy, understanding, and the wisdom you’ve gained through your own journey. This role is about being a caring companion and trusted guide who helps others find stability, access resources, and build their own path to wellness.

What You’ll Do

• Connect with individuals in the community who are dealing with mental health challenges, housing issues, or lack of support, offering encouragement and practical help during difficult times.
• Provide meaningful peer-to-peer support when people are feeling most vulnerable, helping prevent crises before they happen.
• Work closely with local hospitals, mobile mental health teams, police departments, and community organizations to offer support that helps people avoid unnecessary hospital stays.
• Follow up with people referred by hospitals, emergency services, and community programs to provide ongoing support, such as helping create personal wellness plans, linking to resources, and offering peer counseling.
• Help people develop an advanced directive, which is a plan that outlines how they want to be cared for if they can’t speak for themselves.
• Be a mentor and advocate. Support people in protecting their rights, accessing services, solving problems, and learning how to speak up for themselves.
• Speak up for the needs of the community by sharing common concerns with program leaders to improve services for everyone.
• Keep good records and participate in trainings and team meetings.

This Role Could Be a Great Fit If You

• You have lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or similar life struggles and have used these experiences to help yourself and others.
• You feel comfortable sharing your story when it helps build connection and trust.
• You understand or are willing to learn about the mental health system and recovery tools, including 12-step programs, self-help groups, or other alternatives.
• You’re passionate about helping others find hope and stability.
• A bachelor’s degree or formal human services training is helpful but not required, your lived experience and commitment matter most.
• You’re willing to complete training to build your skills and knowledge. 
• Are Bilingual English/Spanish.
• You’re familiar with or interested in learning about local resources and disability-related issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), or willing to obtain
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s in human services is a bonus, but not required)
• Two years of peer coaching, advocacy, or related experience
• Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred (ASL is a plus)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

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.

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.