THIS OPENING IS TO PROVIDE PRIMARILY HOME-BASED SERVICES IN SHIAWASSEE COUNTY.

PHILOSOPHY

Recovery Pathways will provide an integrated system of care which includes, but is not limited to: substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, physical health assessment and referral, recovery supports, assessment and development of daily life skills, and assessment and treatment of dependent children utilizing trauma-based interventions. This comprehensive approach will enrich the lives of female consumers and help them and their families achieve their optimal level of independence and psychological health. We will also provide education to the community, aid to families or significant others with the goal of understanding mental illness and substance abuse, and to reduce the stigma of these services.

TARGET POPULATION AND CRITERION

The target population is women who are pregnant or up to 12 months post-partum, women who have children, are at risk of losing their children, or are working to regain custody of their children in the Mid-Michigan area who express a need for therapy services or evaluations or who have been referred by another agency or service. Consumers who screen appropriately will be given a biopsychosocial (BPS) assessment that evaluates mental health, substance use/dependence, physical health, assessment of dependent children, adaptive skills and daily living skills, as well as other needs identified by the therapist, peer recovery coach, case manager, involved outside agency, the individual, or their family.

As the clients’ needs change, the frequency and/or duration of services may be increased or decreased. Clients must participate in the referral process and a continuing care plan must be developed with the client before they move to another level of care.

The peer advocate also addresses client needs in skill development, as well as needs within the family and community. All of these assessments utilize the stages of change model, as well as motivational interviewing practices, during their assessment and treatment. The stage of change that the individual is in for each identified problem in their life is taken into consideration when developing the individual treatment plan.

In addition to the women’s specialty treatment program, the enhanced program will focus on:

1. Elimination or Reduction of the Use of Alcohol or Other Drugs – The client is connected with a full continuum of services to assist the consumer and her children with substance use.

2. Promote the Effective Use of Contraceptive Methods – Referrals for medical treatment with a primary care physician and the use of family planning methods will be provided if requested.

3. Instruct and Assist Clients in the Effective Use of Community-Based Services – This will include primary care as well as behavioral health care.

Peer advocates must be peers in that they are mothers and have experienced similar circumstances as their potential clients. They must also meet state training or certification requirements identified for their position. The peer advocate provides reasonable transportation services for their clients for relevant appointments and services. It is imperative that the peer advocate stay in touch with their clients.

Appropriate topics for gender specific treatment will include: women’s studies, abuse, violence, trauma, grief, relationships, parenting, child development, psychological development, family orientation, mental health, physical health, legal issues, sexuality, intimacy, exploitation, survival skills, adaptive and daily living skills, continuing care or recovery support, self-esteem and empowerment, relational treatment model, women in the criminal justice system, women in addiction, co-dependency, spirituality, nutrition, and relapse prevention.

PEER ADVOCATE JOB DUTIES

The peer advocate will ensure:

1. Complete assessment of dependent children

2. Arrange for needed services for both dependent children and individual

3. Arrange for child-care or transportation needs

4. Arrange for therapy sessions in the home as needed

5. Assess home environment, identify needs, and observe child and parent interaction

6. Consult with peer recovery coach to assess needed skills in the home, advanced daily living and parenting skills

7. Determine a course of treatment to meet individual and family needs

8. Coordinate care with other agencies

9. Implementation and coordination of the treatment plan

10. Orientation completed for client regarding services, pertinent policies, and emergency information

11. Reviews of plan completed with the consumer following significant or life-changing events

12. Advocate for client when needed

13. Coordination of transition plan or discharge and aftercare needs

14. The involvement of guardian or significant others when applicable or requested and approved by the client

15. Identification of process for after hour contacts – see “Consumer Rights Information”

16. Participate in ongoing supervision from both the clinical supervisor and director

17. Assist with skill building, time management, positive social activities, and coaching/supporting clients in new social situations

18. Provide education in relapse prevention, identification of relapse indicators, and assisting in this process as needed

19. Have an awareness of how a consumer can access a variety of services within their community, assist clients in securing these services, and provide reasonable transportation as needed. These services include: transportation, housing, basic needs, health issues, legal problems, education, employment, and support groups

20. Meet with clients in the office, at their home, and in the community in order to accomplish treatment objectives

21. Document all contact with the client on appropriate progress notes

22. Comply with all state and federal requirements, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation standards, and Recovery Pathways’ policies and procedures

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

1. Maintain engaged and consistent contact for at least 18 to 24 months in a home visitation or community-based service model. This may be expandable up to three years.

2. Maximum caseload of 15 clients per peer advocate

3. Continue services despite relapse or setbacks with consideration to increasing services during that time

4. Initiate active efforts to engage clients who are ‘lost’ or drop out of the program, and ensure efforts are made to re-engage client in services

5. Coordinate service plan with extended family and other providers in the client’s life

6. Coordinate primary and behavioral health services

7. Utilize motivational interviewing techniques and stages of change model tools and techniques to help consumers define and evaluate personal growth every three months

8. Provide services from a strengths-based, relational theory perspective

9. Link and refer clients to appropriate community services for clients and dependent children as needed, including schools

10. Continue to offer services to a woman and her children no matter what the custody situation is, as long as the mother is attempting to regain custody

11. Provide community-based services; these are services that do not take place in an office setting

12. Provide transportation assistance through peer advocates including empowering consumers to access local transportation and finding permanent solutions to transportation challenges

13. Develop referral agreements with community agencies to provide family planning options and instructions

14. Screen children of appropriate age using the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) pre-screening form

15. Identify consumers in enhanced women’s services to the state

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Case Management: 1 year (Required)
• Parenting (Peer Requirement): 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person