What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recovery Coach position at Mental Health Association - Western MA?
The Mental Health Association is hiring immediately for a recovery coach. The Recovery Coach supports individuals in need of substance use services to live independently in the community. They work within the Agency’s team model, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among co-workers in accordance with MHA’s Core Values (Respect, Integrity, and Compassion), policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines. The Recovery Coach provides a unique perspective and related skills to the integrated treatment team, including confidence and experience in the recovery process. They communicate this perspective to individuals to better advocate for them in the formulation of individualized action plans and the development of programs and services.
Position’s Essential Functions
1. Helps develop individual’s confidence in order to articulate their goals for recovery. Shares their own recovery story, including points of self-empowerment.
2. Communicates, represents and promotes the perspective of individuals, serving as an advocate in collaboration with the person.
3. Works with individuals to prepare for a variety of formal and informal meetings including treatment planning, employment services and social engagements. Support and advocated for individuals during admission and termination of program.
4. Interacts with them in order to assess needs, provide information, discuss problems, identify patterns and stressors and encourage growth and development.
5. Serves as an advocate for people who have been hospitalized; visits them and attends hospital group therapy meetings with person when appropriate.
6. Models self-care and self-advocacy techniques that may include health and wellness.
7. Shares information about community resources, including peer-run groups, housing benefit resources, and community events; Facilitates community engagement activities for individuals.
8. Informs, trains, supports and empowers individuals utilizing substance use services.
9. Occasionally provides practical supports including aid with transportation and other tasks as needed and as requested by the individual being supported.
10. Remains up to date on current resources and knowledge of the recovery movement by attend trainings , participating in webinars, and reading relevant articles and/or books.
11. Notifies supervisor immediately in the event of an individual’s crisis, suspected illegal activity, or any behavior constituting an incident.
12. Facilitates mutual support and self help groups and/or guides participants in the development of their own leadership facilitation skills.
13. Completes administrative tasks required including timesheets and responds to requests for information and phone calls in a timely fashion.
14. Promotes understanding of each individual’s cultural identity to be able to enhance support and respect of the individual’s choices.
15. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Valid driver’s license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
- Good oral, written, computer, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
- Strong interpersonal skills, patience, caring, and compassion.
- Cheerful, outward-going personality.
- Demonstrates ability to engage and build respectful and collaborative relationships.
- Must be at least twenty-one years old.
- Performs well under stress and in the event of a crisis.
- Familiarity with local community resources.
Qualifications
- Two years of continuous recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD), and familiarity with psychiatric diagnosis/trauma.
- Certified Recovery Coach or willing to become certified within one year.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking preferred but not mandatory.
- Prior experience in advocacy or peer support role preferred.
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Long Term Disability
