Point Peer Recovery Coach

FLSA Status

Job Role Summary

This grant-funded position provides peer recovery support services to patients with substance use disorders (“SUD”) who are enrolled in project POINT to help them achieve and sustain recovery. This position facilitates patient access to recovery oriented SUD treatment, resources and community recovery groups. The Recovery Coach bridges the segregated treatment system into a more holistic care model through providing support across multiple systems and frameworks of care. This position maintains ongoing patient support regardless of relapse and serves as a motivator, ally, role model, problem solver and advocate for patients with SUD. The Recovery Coach possesses a thorough understanding of community culture and is able to address the barriers of successful recovery, better tailor health messages and provide links to community resources and treatment options.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Engages with emergency department (“ED”) patients with SUD as identified by POINT guidelines or other referral sources
• Meets with patients in the ED prior to discharge to ensure optimal, patient-specific care during the ED visit and to facilitate access to the next stage of treatment
• Works with POINT team to conduct initial patient needs assessment, reviews the patient’s SUD history and identifies the patient’s goals and expectations in collaboration with the patient’s self-identified needs
• Together with clinical staff and the POINT team, facilitates referrals to appropriate disposition options, obtains release of information from patients to secure linkage to treatment and other releases as needed
• Helps patients identify and address any barriers to on-going engagement with the treatment system
• Accompanies patients to appointments, meetings and social service agencies as necessary
• Manages data entry into the electronic medical record; clinical oversight of assessments gathered will be performed by the ED Clinical Public Health Program Manager
• Integrates cultural/population specific diversity needs into patient care as well as integrates physiological, psychological and cultural needs
• Accurately, legibly and legally documents interactions and services provided as well as education/instructions offered; completes other required assessments and documentation as needed
• Develops relationships with patients and caregivers by communicating clearly, developing a friendly rapport and drawing each into conversations while building trust
• Communicates effectively with cognitively impaired patients; remains composed and effective when faced with unexpected and uncomfortable situations
• Uses a strengths based approach and engages in motivational interviewing when working with patients and families with varying levels of needs
• Utilizes critical thinking during complex situations displaying flexibility and the ability to prioritize patients as needed,
• Provides community resource referrals, patient advocacy, support, outreach and follow-up as needs are identified; reports all needs identified to Project POINT Social Work staff members for assistance and/or follow up; ED Clinical Public Health Program Manager will have clinical oversight of the POINT Peer Recovery Coach
• Initiates advocacy/liaison role for patients in referrals to and from community agencies

Job Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Peer Recovery Certification required or CAPRC I certified within 90 days of hire date
• Preferred Current Indiana Driver’s license with motor vehicle record that meets Eskenazi Health’s driving policy
• Strong customer service skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrates effective communication skills; ability to use age appropriate communication skills
• Understands and has ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds—especially patients with SUD
• Knowledge of and proficiency in operating computer programs including Microsoft Office
• Prioritizes tasks and works effectively with complex tasks under pressure/time restraints/irregular schedules
• Ability to effectively address issues of ethnic and economic diversity
• Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine caring attitude for patients, families and staff
• Detail oriented with the ability to think critically and independently
• Effective written and verbal communication, including ability to communicate in a professional manner with physicians, administration and the general public
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and devise own work patterns/methods; flexible to changing priorities; work with minimal supervision