Certified Recovery Peer Advocate

POSITION OVERVIEW:                                                                                                                        

The OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate requires someone who is culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of the targeted population, possess excellent computer skills, be able to function as a part of a multidisciplinary team and understand therapy and group work rooted in evidenced based approaches for intervention and management strategies. Certified Recovery Peer Advocate services are peer-delivered services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus. They are designed to promote skills for coping with and managing behavioral health symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of recovery-oriented principles (e.g., hope and self-efficacy, and community living skills). Certified Recovery Peer Advocate support uses trauma-informed, non-clinical assistance to achieve long-term recovery from a behavioral health disorder.

Under supervision of the Program Director or designee, the requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The provider ensures strengths based, person centered quality of care provided in a culturally and linguistically meaningful therapeutic environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities as defined by the ADA to perform the essential functions of the job. The functions below outline the general responsibilities associated with this position.  Each of these functions is considered critical to effective department operations and our Mission. It is expected that all staff in this position will have satisfactory attendance and will perform these functions as assigned in a competent, cooperative, and timely manner. The Job Description will be reviewed periodically for accuracy and/or adjusted according to business necessity.

 Pays:$24.72 per hour

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:                                                                                                            

• Help promote skills for coping and managing behavioral health symptoms.
• Educates clients about Medication Supported Recovery (MSR), prevention, harm reduction, and Narcan.
• Work as a member of multidisciplinary treatment team that practices client centered and holistic care.
• Accompany clients to appointments and complete warm handoff referrals to SUD.
• Communicate effectively with clients and collateral contacts.
• Conduct outreach for care coordination.
• Assist in the selection and utilization of self-directed recovery tools such as relapse prevention planning.
• Connect individuals to self-help groups in the community.
• Provide recovery education and counseling to individuals.
• Provide preventative and crisis support services.
• Conduct support groups to strengthen social skills, decrease isolation, provide emotional support, and create opportunities for ongoing natural support.
• Participate in staff and organizational meetings as requested for care coordination.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Complete wellness and health promotions activities.  
• Follow-up with the individual to confirm linkage to Care Coordination, outpatient treatment or other community services.
• Perform additional relevant duties as requested by supervisor/management.
• Completes care plans, progress notes, data reports and other documentation as required.
• Works off site at shelter location(s) as assigned in the metro area.

REQUIREMENTS:                                                                                                                                  

• Hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English); strongly preferred.
• NYS OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification is required. Provisional certification 

will be accepted within 12 months to obtain full certification. 

• Must obtain Mandated reporter (2 hours) prior to hire date.
  • Website info: https://nysmandatedreporter.org/TrainingCourses.aspx
• Obtain within thirty days of hire:

1. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
2. Code of Ethical Conduct (6 hours)
3. Confidentiality related to 42CFR (3 hours)
4. Medication Supported Recovery (3 hours)

• Must be trained in Trauma Informed Care and in Military and Veteran’s culture, or complete training within 1 month of employment.
• Experience or desire to work with people who have a substance use disorder and mental illness.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to complete work independently as well as in collaboration with team members.
• Must be team oriented with a willingness to be flexible and helpful.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, and electronic communications tools: internet and email.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Highly organized, motivated self-starter.
• Excellent time management skills.