Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

Essen Medical Associates•Bronx, NY

5d•$45,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) uses lived experience with substance use disorder and recovery to engage, inspire, and support individuals in treatment and recovery. This role is central to our Article 32 program, providing non-clinical peer mentorship, building recovery capital, and facilitating community linkages that promote sustained engagement and long-term wellness.

Requirements

NYS OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential required
High school diploma or GED
> 3 months related volunteer or work experience
25 hours of supervision by qualified supervisory staff
Experience & Skills Lived experience with substance use disorder and demonstrated sustained recovery (minimum 1 year)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while sharing lived experience
Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish)
Prior experience working in addiction treatment, harm reduction, or community health settings
Knowledge of Bronx community resources (housing, employment, legal services, social supports)
Experience facilitating peer-led groups or self-help meetings
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented systems of care

Responsibilities

Peer Engagement & Support Interact with clients as a peer, sharing lived experience appropriately to build rapport, reduce stigma, and model recovery
Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after hospitalization, incarceration, or relapse episodes
Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals and areas where they need support
Help clients carry out tasks defined in their individual treatment plans and actively participate in treatment planning meetings
Community & Recovery Linkage Organize and facilitate self-help groups (e.g., SMART Recovery, NA/AA) and peer-led activities within the program
Connect clients to community-based recovery supports, housing assistance, employment services, and social resources consistent with treatment and discharge plans
Teach self-help techniques, group process skills, and facilitate establishment of peer, natural, and social support networks
Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate, detailed, and thorough documentation of all billable and non-billable peer support activities in the electronic health record
Ensure all documentation complies with HIPAA, OASAS Article 32 regulations, and Medicaid billing requirements
Participate in utilization review, peer review activities, and case consultation meetings as needed
Professional Development & Collaboration Attend and participate in clinical team meetings, trainings, supervision, and continuing education to maintain CRPA certification
Collaborate with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff to coordinate holistic, person-centered care
Educate program participants about recovery pathways, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and relapse prevention strategies