Program Manager - Peer

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and disordered gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling. NYCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.

The Problem Gambling Resource Centers address problem gambling across New York State by increasing public awareness about problem gambling and connecting those adversely affected by gambling with services that can help them. These services are available to anyone struggling with gambling related problems, regardless of their ability to pay.

The Program Manager Peer is primarily responsible for engaging with participants to support them in reduction or elimination of problematic gambling behaviors. The Program Manager Peer will endeavor to establish a positive peer support relationship with those seeking to modify their gambling behavior. They strive to enhance each person’s path of harm reduction or recovery around gambling. In addition, this position will provide community-based presentations and outreach related to the harms associated with gambling and provide referrals to those seeking support. The position will also support the expansion of recovery support services available in the region.

Peer support services is an evidence-based model that consists of qualified individuals who have lived experience with addiction and/or co-occurring mental health disorders or harm reduction or recovery around gambling, and who have been trained to help their peers with a similar experience to gain hope, explore recovery and achieve their life goals.

This position will work as part of a regional and statewide team and be supervised by the PGRC Director as well as a Peer Supervisor.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Answer calls and provide support and resources to those seeking help related to gambling harms within the OASAS system of care and other community supports.
• Provide community outreach, education and public awareness about gambling harms and available resources to a broad range of constituents at meetings, trainings, community events, and service providers.
• Support the expansion of the peer workforce within the OASAS system of care through engagement, recruitment, development, and support.
• Set up and facilitate peer one on one sessions.
• Assist in integrating peer support services in communities as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, behavior, recovery goals, and progress in accordance with agency policies, procedures and confidentiality standards e.g. HIPPA
• Share experiential knowledge, hope, and skills mentoring to support path of harm reduction or recovery around gambling, solving, goal setting, and skill building.
• Educate individuals about recovery principles, self-care strategies, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
• Provide continuing peer recovery assistance at the level at which they feel comfortable participating.
• Help identify and remove obstacles and barriers.
• Support personalized recovery planning.
• Serve as guide and mentor as participant initiates pathway of recovery e.g., abstinence, harm reduction around gambling.
• Help participants to identify recovery capital.
• Provide input on harm minimization efforts around gambling in both the problematic gambling and gambling arenas.
• Provide alternative resources.
• Track progress within a database.
• Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, services, and programs available to participants and build ongoing relationships with these organizations to advocate for participants.
• Support engagement in evidence-based treatment, harm reduction services, and recovery supports.
• Keep resources updated and available.
• Participate in team meetings or work groups, as appropriate, to help shape policies and procedures that benefit participants.
• Attend regular training sessions, workshops, and recovery-related events to stay current on best practices in peer support and recovery.

Required Competencies

• Role modeling: Uses personal experience to inspire and serve as a positive role model promoting hope and recovery.
• Trust building across diverse populations: Effectively earns the trust of a diverse range of service users, respecting and understanding differences in age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical or mental ability.
• Active listening and effective communication: Demonstrates the ability to listen attentively and communicate clearly, including the use of clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
• Nonjudgmental interpersonal interaction: Exhibits a nonjudgmental approach in interactions, using active listening, maintaining good eye contact, and fostering positive relationships.
• Collaboration: Experience collaborating with team members and problem gambling partners to ensure a smooth and safe transition to problem gambling care and recovery resources. Proactively work to arrange comprehensive support for participants, addressing needs such as housing, food, clothing, and financial assistance.

Experience, Education and Training

• High School Diploma
• Training or certification as a certified recovery peer advocate (CRPA), CRPA-P or certified addiction recovery coach (CARC). If not, can qualify and obtain the CRPA-P and or CARC within 1 year.
• Lived experience with problem gambling is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of gambling disorder recovery (not just abstinence).
• A willingness to embrace both harm reduction and abstinence models as well as the philosophy that there are many pathways to recovery.
• Time management skills
• Organization and focus - able to set clear priorities and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking and writing.
• Motivational and empowerment skills.
• Working effectively with a large variety of people, both professionals and volunteers.
• Proficient in basic computer skills; including Microsoft Office, ability to learn new web-based programs as needed.
• Ability to build relationships with multiple contacts including callers, participants, clinicians, referral sources and community organizations.
• Ability to maintain personal recovery while supporting others.
• Understanding and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, including different cultural, socioeconomic, and family dynamics.
• The position may involve flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, depending on the needs of the individuals being served. Regular hours of operation for this position are Monday through Friday, 12PM to 8PM.

The NY Council on Problem Gambling is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Albany, NY 12203

Salary : $60,000