Peer Diversion Specialist (M,T,TH,F)
Company: Independent Living Inc
Role summary
Peer Diversion Specialist (M,T,TH,F) is a role at Independent Living Inc in City of Middletown, New York, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-09-02. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.
- Job title
- Peer Diversion Specialist (M,T,TH,F)
- Company
- Independent Living Inc
- Location
- City of Middletown, New York, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Experience level
- 0-2
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-09-02
Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in people's lives? This Peer Diversion Specialist position is perfect for someone with lived experience who wants to help others navigate challenges. It offers a great starting salary and no degree is necessary, making it accessible to many.
Job description
Description
Title: 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 and meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of or willingness to learn about behavioral health systems, peer support models, and community resources
A willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have:
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential or willingness to obtain certification
NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification
Two years of peer support, advocacy, outreach, or related experience
Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field
Bilingual English/Spanish skills or American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency
Familiarity with local behavioral health, housing, and disability-related resources
Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through:
Building positive and trusting relationships with individuals receiving services
Successfully connecting individuals to community-based resources and recovery supports
Helping reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improving continuity of care through effective outreach and follow-up
Supporting individuals in achieving greater independence, self-advocacy, and wellness
Maintaining timely, accurate documentation and strong collaboration with community partners and team members
Demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to recovery-oriented care in all interactions
Benefits available to you include:
Paid holidays from the first day of employment
Paid lunch break
Paid time off
401(k) with company match
Health, Dental and Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Company provided Life, AD&D and Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
Voluntary insurances including Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
We actively support an inclusive hiring process and encourage people with disabilities, visible and non-visible, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application or onboarding process, please contact L
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