GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Provide information, resources, and support to those affected by someone else's addiction in Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and the community.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Work in the community and with Addict to Addict (A2A) peers within Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) to reach out to families and individuals who need assistance dealing with someone else's addiction. Meet with the families of the individuals admitted to the emergency room (ECMC) or community, for substance use disorders, and inform them about recovery and resources available in addressing emergencies. Provide NARCAN training to interested parties so they recognize the signs of an Opioid overdose and can administer Naloxone. Provide information and referrals to individual and family supporters in navigating services available to prevent re-occurrence through family service plans. Be a liaison with hospital, treatment, family and community providers in linking individuals to proper support in the community. Facilitate at least two (2) Community Forums per month, throughout Erie County, in addressing the needs of dealing with Substance Use Disorder. Provide immediate follow-up for the family, in making initial contact with positive community and/or medical support. Be a liaison and advocate with the existing medical and community support regarding family needs. Provide peer support during times when traditional treatment services are unavailable, which includes after business hours, weekends, and some holidays. Provide the peer perspective to professional providers and family supporters to help understand the perspective of the individual being served. Empower the individual's family being served to make fully informed decisions. Responsible, when on call, to respond to calls from Western New York Independent Living, Inc.'s (WNYIL's) answering service in a timely manner. Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in WNYIL's Electronic Consumer Records (ECR) within two (2) working days of the date of service. Participate in maintaining a neat, clean, and safe work environment. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Within six (6) months of employment, the candidate must be a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA). Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials. High school diploma or equivalent OR Associate Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field. OR Bachelor's Degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related human services field.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

(if required) High school diploma or equivalent requires three (3) years of work experience with disabled adults or related experience. Associate degree requires two (2) years of work experience with disabled adults or related experience. Bachelor's degree requires one (1) year work experience with disabled adults or related experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

The applicant must be a current or former consumer of mental health services. Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks. Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office/ Community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Sitting for extended periods of time. Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.

HOURS / SHIFTS 37.5

• 40 hours per week. M
• F 8:30 am
• 5:00 pm.

(Hours may vary during on-call shifts) Overtime is rarely required.

CLASSIFICATION

Full-time, salary, non-exempt, Professional staff. Salary $45,000

• 47,500 BENEFITS Agency provided group health insurance.

Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available. PTO and paid holiday package. 403(b) retirement with Agency match. Employee Assistance Program Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols. Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities. Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free agency.

POSTING INFORMATION

Closing Date:

 September 8, 2026 Cover Letter and Resume Required to: Human Resources Dept. WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 employment@wnyil.org

Pay:

$45,000.00

• $47,500.

00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person