Internship Disability Rights Jobs in Fairfield, CT

Description

Title: Intake Coordinator - Peer Services

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Manager - Onward Westchester

Base Location: Chappaqua

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5m

Pay Rate: $22.00/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 throughout 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, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives to the services we provide.

ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video. 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc 

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
• Use your lived experience to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery, independence, and wellness.
• Help create a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment that fosters connection, empowerment, and community engagement.
• Gain opportunities for professional development, credentialing, and career growth within a supportive team environment.

About the Role

The Intake Coordinator - Peer Services serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking support and services. This role creates a welcoming, inclusive, and recovery-oriented environment while coordinating intake processes, connecting participants to appropriate resources, and providing peer support informed by lived experience. 

The Intake Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring smooth daily operations, maintaining accurate records, and supporting participants in achieving greater independence and wellness.

What You'll Do

• Create a welcoming, supportive environment for participants, visitors, and community members.
• Conduct initial intake activities, gather information, and facilitate timely referrals to appropriate staff and services.
• Schedule, reschedule, and coordinate appointments for participants and program activities.
• Maintain program rosters, calendars, resource directories, and front office operations.
• Provide peer support, encouragement, and guidance utilizing lived experience and recovery principles.
• Assist participants in exploring independent living skills, including housing, budgeting, transportation, employment readiness, and self-advocacy.
• Support individuals in accessing treatment services, including inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, and medication-assisted treatment programs.
• Provide information and referrals related to disability rights, recovery supports, and community resources.
• Co-facilitate support groups, recovery activities, and community engagement events as needed.
• Develop and distribute program communications, including calendars, flyers, social media content, and event updates.
• Orient new participants, volunteers, and interns to program services and operations.
• Maintain office supplies, equipment, records, and digital filing systems.
• Coordinate transportation logistics and assist with participant transportation as needed.
• Document intakes, admissions, discharges, service notes, referrals, and other program activities within agency databases.
• Maintain accurate records related to participants, volunteers, interns, vehicles, and program operations.
• Participate in trainings, team meetings, and professional development activities.
• Support onboarding and training of new staff on agency systems and procedures.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, disability, or related experiences, with the ability to utilize personal experiences to support others effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have

• Certification as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), NYC Peer Specialist (NYCPS), or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience working in behavioral health, substance use recovery, disability services, or community-based programs.
• Knowledge of independent living philosophy, recovery-oriented practices, and community resources.
• Experience facilitating groups, coordinating events, or supporting volunteer programs.
• Familiarity with electronic health records or case management databases.

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Consistently creating a welcoming, supportive, and recovery-oriented environment for all participants.
• Timely and accurate completion of intake, referral, and documentation processes.
• Effective coordination of participant services and community resource connections.
• Strong participant engagement and support outcomes.
• Maintenance of organized program operations, records, and communications.
• Positive collaboration with staff, participants, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ongoing professional growth and commitment to peer support and independent living principles.

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 

ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.

To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/