Street Outreach Engagement Peer en Independent Living Inc

Description

Street Outreach and Engagement Peer

Chappaqua, NY

Job Type

Full-time

Reports to

Manager – Onward Westchester

Schedule: 

Monday – Friday 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $25.000/hr

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?

This is more than just a job. It’s a way to turn your lived experience into leadership and offer someone else the kind of support you may have once needed. We believe in second chances, personal growth, and the power of peer support. When you join our team, you’ll be valued not despite your journey, but because of it.

We offer, a supportive, team-centered environment where your voice matters, opportunities for training, certification, and personal development, the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life every day, and community-based work where your lived experience is your superpower.

Not sure you meet every qualification? That’s okay. If your life experience gives you insight and compassion, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help build a community where support comes from those who truly understand.

Your Experience Matters

Have you lived through challenges like addiction, mental health struggles, incarceration, or housing instability—and come out the other side with hard-won wisdom, strength, and compassion? If so, you may be the kind of person who can make a real difference in someone else’s life.

We’re looking for someone with lived experience to serve as a Street Outreach & Engagement Peer, a trusted support for people navigating the tough road of recovery, especially those who may be living on the streets, in shelters, or just disconnected from care.

Whether or not you’ve held a job like this before, if you can connect with others through empathy, honesty, and shared experience, you have something powerful to offer.

This is a hands-on, in-the-community role. You’ll connect with individuals where they are unhoused, in shelters, at community events, or responding to outreach calls. This is a role that’s about walking with people, not doing for them, offering encouragement, support, and real understanding.

What You’ll Do

• Build trust with people who may feel left behind or unheard.
• Listen without judgment and offer hope, based on your own experience.
• Help people understand their options for treatment, support, and recovery.
• Support people in creating their own recovery goals and wellness plans.
• Share tools, information, and resources about housing, health, legal aid, benefits, jobs, and more.
• Stand up for people’s rights and help them speak up for what they need.
• Facilitate or support peer groups, educational sessions, or community events.
• Offer emotional support and connection, especially in times of crisis.
• Work closely with other service providers to ensure people get connected to the help they want.

Requirements

This Role Could Be a Great Fit If You

• Have lived experience with recovery, substance use, incarceration, mental health, or supporting someone else through it.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Feel comfortable sharing parts of their personal story to help others feel less alone.
• Knows what it’s like to navigate systems (like treatment programs, benefits, housing, legal aid, etc.) and can help others do the same.
• Believes that people can change and grow, no matter where they’re starting from.
• Is dependable, self-motivated, and able to stay organized, even when juggling a lot.
• Communicate well, in person, over text, and by phone.
• Is open to ongoing learning, growth, and support.

Preferred Qualifications

• CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) preferred, or willing to complete within 6 months.
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) preferred, or willing to complete within 1 year.
• Experience providing peer support or advocacy.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred.

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.