Peer Diversion Specialist; M,T,F

Peer Diversion Specialist

Position Type:
Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to:

Diversion Program Manager

Base

Location:

Middletown

Schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-8pm

Pay Rate: $25.00/hr

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
• Help individuals experiencing mental health challenges and crises find hope, connection, and recovery through peer support and advocacy
• Work alongside hospitals, crisis teams, and community partners to create meaningful alternatives to hospitalization and strengthen community-based care

About the Role

The Peer Diversion Specialist provides compassionate outreach, advocacy, and recovery-oriented peer support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, substance use concerns, or social isolation. This role focuses on helping individuals remain connected to community-based supports, reduce crises, and build recovery plans that promote independence, wellness, and self-determination.

The Peer Diversion Specialist works closely with hospitals, mobile crisis teams, law enforcement, and community organizations to support individuals during vulnerable moments and provide follow-up care that encourages long-term stability and recovery.

What You'll Do:

• Connect with individuals in the community who are experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, or lack of support, offering encouragement, advocacy, and practical assistance during difficult times
• Provide peer-to-peer support and recovery-focused encouragement to individuals during times of vulnerability to help prevent crises and unnecessary hospitalizations
• Collaborate with hospitals, mobile mental health teams, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to coordinate support services and strengthen community-based care
• Conduct follow-up outreach with individuals referred by hospitals, emergency responders, and community programs to provide wellness planning, peer counseling, advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• Support individuals in developing psychiatric advance directives and other recovery-oriented wellness plans that reflect their goals and preferences for care
• Serve as a mentor and advocate by helping individuals protect their rights, access services, resolve barriers, and strengthen self-advocacy skills
• Identify and communicate community needs and service gaps to program leadership to support ongoing program improvement and responsiveness
• Maintain accurate documentation and actively participate in trainings, supervision, and team meetings

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness, or other life challenges and a desire to use those experiences to support others
• A compassionate, empathetic, and recovery-oriented approach to peer support
• The ability to build trust…