Peer Recovery Specialist - Southern Onward

Description

Title: Peer Recovery Specialist 

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Manager - Onward Westchester

Base Location: Chappaqua

Pay Rate: $26.00/hr

Schedule:  Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

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
• Use your personal recovery journey to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families navigating substance use recovery 
• Help create pathways to hope, wellness, and independence through person-centered peer support

About the Role

The Peer Recovery Specialist uses lived experience with substance use recovery to provide encouragement, advocacy, and peer-based support to individuals and families navigating recovery journeys.

This role focuses on building trusting relationships, promoting self-directed recovery, and helping individuals access the tools, resources, and supports needed to achieve their personal goals. The Peer Recovery Specialist serves as a role model for recovery, resilience, and wellness while helping participants strengthen coping skills and community connections.

What You’ll Do

• Connect with individuals and families who are navigating substance use recovery 
• Share personal lived experience appropriately to build trust, inspire hope, and support recovery journeys 
• Assist individuals in creating personalized recovery and wellness plans based on their goals and strengths 
• Provide peer support in person, over the phone, through text communication, and in group settings 
• Teach wellness tools, coping skills, and recovery strategies that promote long-term success 
• Advocate alongside individuals to help them access community resources and services, such as:

  - Housing

  - Health care

  - Transportation

  - Education

  - Employment

  - Legal or civic support

• Support participants in obtaining services related to housing, healthcare, transportation, education, employment, and legal or civic needs 
• Facilitate or co-facilitate self-help groups, educational workshops, and peer support meetings 
• Provide calm, compassionate support during times of crisis and connect individuals to appropriate resources 
• Collaborate with partner agencies and community providers to strengthen support networks 
• Encourage self-advocacy, independence, and confidence in navigating systems of care 
• Maintain accurate documentation, data tracking, and reports in compliance with program requirements 
• Participate in trainings, supervision, team meetings, and professional development opportunities

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Personal or family experience with substance use recovery and comfort using lived experience in supportive and professional ways 
•  Willingness to undergo jail, hospital, etc., onboarding
• Strong belief that recovery is individualized and that multiple pathways to recovery exist 
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills 
• Compassionate, dependable, and self-motivated approach to supporting others 
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team 
• Flexibility to meet the scheduling needs of participants and program operations 
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and skill development 
• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Valid unrestricted driver’s license

It would be a plus if you also have:

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification or willingness to obtain 
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification 
• Two years of peer coaching, advocacy, recovery support, or related experience 
• Bachelor’s degree in human servic