Peer Recovery Specialist – Westchester County

Independent Living, Inc. is looking to hire a Peer Recovery Specialist that can be engaging and supportive towards individuals and families as they navigate the substance use treatment system.

As a Peer Recovery Specialist, you’ll support individuals and families with recovery service plans, assist with access to benefits and connections as well as advocating on their behalf for things they need.

 Independent Living, Inc., is a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region.  As a Peer Recovery Specialist, you must have “lived” experience with substance use recovery either personally or through a family member or friend who has gone through recovery and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed. High School diploma/equivalent plus equivalent years of experience (bachelor’s degree in human services, preferred but not needed) plus two years of peer coaching or advocacy experience.

 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively engage families and individuals on how to access and navigate the substance use treatment system and negotiate insurance barriers to treatment.
• Provide group support, education, recovery information and skill building classes and workshops to families and individuals regarding substance use disorders (SUD).
• Act demand-responsive to inquiries through multiple channels (i.e., in person, telephonic, text, blogs) while working a flexible schedule to meet the needs of consumers.
• Coordinate a variety of activities that encourage engagement, employment, self-management and personal wellness.
• Engage in individual advocacy by assisting individuals with substance use disorders in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints, accessing services and navigating community supports of their choice.
• Engage in systems advocacy by representing the concerns of individuals with substance abuse disorders through the identification of patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these systemic problems.
• Facilitate and support the development of an integrated support network for individuals which includes but is not limited to case management, benefits advisement, supported housing, self-help, employment and educational services, in addition to other community supports individuals may wish to access.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by Independent Living, Inc. and specific to the job responsibilities of the position.
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

 

SHIFT:

• Monday through Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm.
• Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am – 7:00pm

 

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

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) preferred.
• High School diploma/equivalent plus equivalent years of experience (bachelor’s degree in human services, preferred but not needed) plus two years of peer coaching or advocacy experience.
• Must have “lived” experience with substance use recovery either personally or through a family member or friend who has gone through recovery and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed.
• Must complete approved advocacy training programs within the first six months of employment.
• Must have OASAS certification or obtain it within one year.
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification desirable. Must have a working knowledge of the recovery process and be willing to promote multi-pathway to recovery. Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of ASL a plus.
• Honesty, respect for diversity, high personal standards, language and behaviors reflecting such values and the Independent Living philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.
• Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality requirements related to records pertaining to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency laws.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
• Must possess a valid unrestricted driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Posted On: February 1, 2024