Emergency Response Peer Support Professional

Description

Emergency Response Peer Support Professional

Cornwall, Ny

Reports To:

Emergency Response Clinical Manager

Schedule:

Saturday - Wednesday 10a – 6p

Pay Rate: $58,000/yr

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

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.

Why Work with Us?

At Independent Living, Inc., we believe that healing happens through connection. We’re building a team that reflects the strength and diversity of the communities we serve and that includes hiring people who’ve walked the walk.

If your lived experience has taught you resilience and compassion, and you want to help others in their recovery journey, we encourage you to apply. Your story matters here. We’ll provide training, ongoing support, and opportunities to grow within the organization. If you’re ready to turn your experience into purpose, we invite you to apply.

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

This role is open to both Licensed Professionals (such as LCSWs, LMHCs, RNs, etc.) and to those who bring the powerful qualification of lived experience. If you’re not licensed but you’re passionate about helping others and meet the other qualifications, we still want to hear from you.

Your Experience Matters

Are you someone who knows what it’s like to face mental health challenges, substance use, or the impact of the justice system and come out stronger on the other side? Do you believe in meeting people with compassion during their toughest moments?

We’re looking for individuals with lived experience to join our Emergency Response Team and help others find hope, resources, and a way forward. You don’t need a degree to make a difference, you need empathy, resilience, and the willingness to walk alongside others as they take their next steps.

As an Emergency Response Peer Support Professional, you’ll be part of a specially trained team that responds to emergency calls related to substance use, mental health crises, and co-occurring challenges. You’ll be there when people need someone the most, not to judge or diagnose, but to support, listen, and guide.

You’ll partner with licensed clinical staff and other peer professionals to show people that recovery is possible and help them connect to the services and support that fit their needs and values.

What You’Ll Do

• Respond to calls as part of a first-responder team supporting individuals and families facing crisis or pre-crisis situations (such as overdoses, relapses, or mental health emergencies).
• Stay on scene with your peer teammate to offer calm, compassionate support during and after the emergency.
• Use your lived experience to:
• Offer emotional support and hope.
• Help people understand what addiction and recovery can look like.
• Support family members who may feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do.
• Help individuals and families navigate complex systems like insurance, treatment programs, or legal concerns.
• Connect people to the Orange County Crisis Call Center and Mobile Response Team when additional support is needed.
• Offer practical education on harm reduction and safety strategies to individuals and their loved ones.
• Keep up-to-date on local resources, support groups, housing options, treatment programs, and other services, and help people access them.
• Advocate for individuals' rights and choices in accessing care and support.
• Participate in training, team meetings, and continuing education to grow in the role.
• Maintain accurate records and complete necessary reports after each call.

Requirements

This Role Could Be a Great Fit If

• You have lived experience with mental health, substance use disorder, or co-occurring conditions and feel comfortable sharing your story when it helps others.
• You have or are willing to earn NYCPS or CPRA certification within your first year.
• You are a Licensed Professional of the Healing Arts (LPHA) this includes: Licensed Social Worker (LMSW or LCSW); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); Licensed Creative Arts Therapists; Licensed Occupational Therapist; or Registered Nurse. 
• You are bilingual in English and Spanish (strongly preferred).
• You know or want to learn about community resources, including addiction services, transportation, support groups, and more.
• You have strong communication skills, good time management, and can work independently.
• You have an unrestricted valid driver’s license.
• You understand or are eager to learn about wellness and recovery principles, crisis interventions, and suicide prevention.
• You are comfortable working in the community, including entering homes or working alongside first responders when needed.
• You are organized, self-motivated, and can manage your time, even during slower shifts.
• You have computer skills and are able to complete documentation clearly and on time.
• You have a working knowledge of the recovery process and be willing to promote multi-pathways to recovery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understand what it feels like to be in crisis and can offer judgment-free, compassionate support.
• Believe there are many paths to healing and are open to different recovery approaches.
• A good listener, a strong communicator, and someone who can stay calm under pressure.

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.