Certified Peer Recovery Advocate

Project Renewal•New York, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Project Renewal is hiring a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate (CRPA or CRPA-P) for its Shelter in Reach program. The program provides outreach and engagement services to shelter residents through an existing clinic, with the goal of strengthening shelters’ capacity to improve behavioral health outcomes and prevent overdose. Advocates work in shelters in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, providing harm reduction support to high-risk clients. The advocate works exclusively in shelter programs with clients who may be experiencing substance use challenges, trauma, or mental health concerns. The role includes advocacy, outreach, recovery support, and crisis intervention, as well as helping participants build communication skills and recovery supports. Advocates support participants in identifying personal warning signs of return to use and developing coping strategies and crisis-prevention tools. They also provide peer counseling related to mental health, substance use, rehabilitation strategies, and mutual-aid opportunities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or provisional certification through OASAS.
Adequate writing and computer skills to complete reports, case notes, and other documentation in an electronic health reporting system.
Personal lived experience with mental illness or substance use.
Willingness to share personal experience with others.
Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other staff to serve clients effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and with clients.
Willingness to travel within New York City’s five boroughs.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the DHS CARES System.
Bilingual or multilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Escort clients to appointments and programs as needed.
Meet regularly with shelter participants to provide peer services.
Provide harm reduction counseling, including teaching coping skills, relapse-prevention strategies, wellness management, and social skills.
Connect participants with community resources and on-site support services.
Communicate and collaborate with participants’ treatment providers.
Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, shelter high-risk meetings, and relevant trainings.
Conduct Narcan trainings for staff and clients.
Conduct weekly groups at the assigned shelter site.
Collaborate with participants’ assigned case managers to discuss client needs and progress.
Collaborate with Project Renewal Healthcare Programs and Harm Reduction Services, including the Recovery Center, Residential Services, and 2nd Chance.