Peer Emergency Response Specialist

Independent Living, Inc., a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley is seeking to hire a Peer Mobile Emergency Response Specialist.

As a Peer Mobile Emergency Response Specialist, you'll be responsible for providing supports for individuals that are in pre-crisis or crisis while working in tandem with New Windsor EMS. You will provide education and training about harm reduction strategies. As well as assisting individuals connect to other resources and services that are needed.

The goal is to reduce repeat calls and give the individuals the tools and supports to prevent future crisis and pre-crisis situations while allowing them to remain well in the community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work directly in partnership with ILI team and Program Manager as a team of first responders who correspond to substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders related emergency calls to support of individuals in pre-crisis or crisis and their circle to support.
• Provide highly individualized, flexible, demand responsive, intensive peer support and timely intervention during periods when individuals with substance use disorder and co-occurring disabilities are experiencing increased vulnerability and are at greatest risk.
• Provide proactive peer engagement services and coordinate comprehensive wrap around supports by working collaboratively with clinical partner and EMS in developing plans that effectively support each individual in order to best overcome the emergency and prevent relapse and recidivism.
• Remain on scene as the situation warrants with clinical team member to provide peer support and connection.
• Provide education and training about harm reduction strategies to the people residing with or supporting the individual experiencing the emergency,
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of community resources available for individuals wishing to engage in additional treatment or services.
• Educate individuals, families, and community resources about challenges, options, and resources with regard to persons with disabilities.
• Assist individuals in accessing these services and treatments.
• Engage in individual advocacy by assisting individuals with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints, accessing services and navigating community supports of their choice.
• Make referrals to the Orange County Crisis Call Center for ongoing resources, services, and peer supports.
• Engage in systems advocacy by representing the concerns of individuals with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders through the identification of patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these systemic problems.
• Encourage personal empowerment, self-determination, while promoting independent living skill development.
• Encourage independence; provide assistance in identifying and connecting with supportive services.
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required including statistical reports by specified due dates.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by Independent Living, Inc. as well as those specific to substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders, transition and diversion.
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

SHIFT:

• Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
• Sunday - Thursday 10am - 6pm

PAY RATE:

• $23.45/hr - $25.00/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

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, preferred, plus two years of peer coaching or advocacy experience.
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification or CPRA (Certified Peer Recovery Advocate) preferred or ability to be certified within one year of employment required.
• Must have personal lived experience with mental health, substance use disorder, or co-occurring services as a former or current service recipient as well as personal experience with recovery and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• 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 current community resources such as transportation systems, recreation centers and activities, churches, drop-in centers, support groups and additional resources strongly desired. Knowledge of chemical addiction services as well as key players of services in Orange County, strongly preferred.
• Must have a working knowledge of the substance use disorder service system and recovery process.
• Strong understanding of wellness and recovery principles, WRAP principles and experience running peer led groups strongly desired.
• Suicide intervention skills/training.
• Must have familiarity with crisis interventions.
• 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 driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

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.