Peer Diversion Specialist CIT (Crisis Intervention Team)

Peer Diversion Specialist – CIT (Crisis Intervention Team)

Middletown, NY

Reports to

Diversion Program Manager

Schedule:

Monday through Friday 10am-6pm

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?

This is more than just a job. It’s a way to turn your lived experience into leadership and offer someone else the kind of support you may have once needed. We believe in second chances, personal growth, and the power of peer support. When you join our team, you’ll be valued not despite your journey, but because of it.

Not sure you meet every qualification? That’s okay. If your life experience gives you insight and compassion, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help build a community where support comes from those who truly understand.

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

Your Experience Matters

Have you gone through tough times like navigating mental health challenges, substance use, unstable housing, or incarceration and come out the other side? If so, you have something powerful to offer. Your lived experience can help others feel seen, supported, and inspired to move forward.

We’re looking for a CIT Peer Diversion Specialist to support people in crisis especially those at risk of being arrested or hospitalized. You’ll offer connection, guidance, and encouragement during critical moments when someone feels most alone. You’ll also work closely with police departments, mental health providers, and community teams to make sure people get the care and support they need not just another trip through the system.

What You’ll Do

• Connect with people in crisis, especially those involved with police or emergency response offering one-on-one peer support, hope, and understanding.
• Share your story (when helpful) to build trust and help others see that recovery and stability are possible.
• Partner with community teams like Mobile Response, the Mental Health Association (311), and police units in Middletown, Wallkill, and Mount Hope.
• Follow up on referrals from crisis lines, law enforcement, and community providers to help prevent relapse, hospitalization, or arrest.
• Help people plan for the future, including creating a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), identifying long-term goals, making safety plans, and connecting to care management and resources.
• Provide support wherever it’s needed based on what feels most comfortable and accessible for the individual.
• Guide people toward independence, helping them access housing, healthcare, employment, education, and peer-led services.
• Act as a mentor and advocate, helping people learn to speak up for their needs, make informed choices, and navigate services.
• Encourage the use of tools like advance directives and health care proxies to give individuals more control over their care.
• Work to improve systems by raising concerns, identifying patterns, and helping to resolve problems that affect those you serve.
• Maintain documentation of services and progress using internal reporting tools (training provided).
• Attend trainings and team meetings as part of your growth and development.

This Role Could Be a Great Fit If You

• Have lived experience with mental health, substance use, homelessness, or involvement with the justice system.
• Are open to sharing parts of your journey when it could inspire hope or connection.
• Are comfortable working with a wide range of people, including law enforcement, care teams, and individuals in crisis.
• Are a strong communicator who listens without judgment.
• Can be flexible and adapt your schedule or approach to meet the needs of the people you support.
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Are willing to learn and grow we’ll provide training to help you succeed.

Preferred Qualifications

• NYCPS or willingness to complete training after hire
• Bilingual (especially English/Spanish)
• Familiarity with 12-step programs, self-help models, or alternative recovery paths
• Experience with community resources in Orange County
• Basic knowledge of mental health systems and confidentiality laws

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/

We encourage people with disabilities to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation to support the application process, please contact Latoya at (845) 674-7752.

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.