Community Bridger

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Advocacy Unlimited offers holistic, peer-led, education, advocacy, and support in the areas of mental health, addiction, and trauma recovery. We believe all people have the innate capacity to create a life of self- defined purpose beyond a psychiatric diagnosis and addiction histories. To learn more, please go to www.advocacyunlimited.org

The position of Community Bridger is based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, with statewide travel a requirement. Community Bridger offer support to people aged eighteen and older who are currently involved or at risk for being involved in the criminal justice or probate court system. Community Bridgers are not expected to be members of a treatment team nor take on the role of case management or crisis workers.

Community Bridgers offer non-clinical, flexible peer support. Important skills and attributes applicants should bring to this position are cultural humility, trauma responsive, gender affirming, recovery oriented, person centered, situational awareness, open-mindedness, emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills, a sense of humor, and patience.

FULL-TIME NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYMENT: 37.5 regularly scheduled hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours. $25.00 per hour. 180-day introductory period with performance evaluation at the conclusion of this period. Inclusive of benefits outlined in the Advocacy Unlimited Personnel Handbook. REPORTS TO: Peer Recovery Services Director

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Model recovery and creating a life of self-defined purpose.
Promote informed consent, choice, personal agency, independence, self-responsibility and community involvement. Facilitate peer support in 1:1 and group settings
Provide 1:1 peer support to 30 people living in Connecticut, annually, and no more than 15 people, concurrently. Receive referrals, complete initial interview, and facilitate orientation to program, as applicable.
Build community partnerships and connect participants to resources.
Meet participants in the community and provide transportation, as needed.
Provide support during incarceration and/or hospitalization, maintaining connection following discharge.
Develop relationships with community resources and other supports.
Act as an ambassador of Advocacy Unlimited and the Community Bridger program.
Actively promote peer recovery resources.
Assist participants to create recovery plans and move toward achieving goals
Maintain up to date and accurate records of all work-related activities.
Meet all internal accountability standards.
Attend team meetings and trainings
Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma or equivalent

RSS Certification

At least 1 year working as a Recovery Support Specialist, or equivalent position in peer recovery services

Knowledge of community support systems and resources

Personal lived experience related to mental health, addiction, and/or trauma recovery

EXPERIENCE

Recovery-oriented, inclusive, and leads by example
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Excellent mediation and conflict resolution skills
Excellent problem-solving skill, creative flexibility, and solution focused

High emotional intelligence and ability to receive critique

Ability to work on a team and personal accountability
High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
Must have a clean driving record, up to date motor vehicle insurance and current driver’s license.

Must have access to a reliable and clean vehicle for statewide travel.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25