Certified Recovery Peer Advocate- Provisional

Acacia Network•Buffalo, NY

7h•$21 - $22

About The Position

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate provides peer-delivered, non-clinical, trauma-informed services focused on rehabilitation and long-term recovery from behavioral health disorders, particularly substance use disorders. Services promote coping and symptom-management skills, recovery-oriented principles such as hope and self-efficacy, and community living skills. The advocate works with people at different stages of change and supports the use of natural resources and self-directed recovery tools. Under routine supervision of the Program Director, the advocate provides strengths-based, person-centered care in a culturally and linguistically meaningful therapeutic environment. The role works as part of a multidisciplinary team and includes services in both the office/program and community settings. The position has no managerial or supervisory responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification; provisional certification is accepted, but full certification must be obtained within six months of hire.
Obtain mandated reporter training (two hours) and certificate within 30 days.
Obtain training or certification within 30 days of hire in domestic violence, infection control basics for non-medical/nursing staff, HIV, child abuse, tobacco cessation, and impaired driver screening and assessment.
Complete Supporting Recovery with Medications Addictions Treatment (MAT) training or certification during in-house orientation.
If applicable, obtain SUD training or certificates within 30 days of hire in Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment; CASAC Canon of Ethics (six hours); and confidentiality related to 42 CFR (three hours).
Be trained in Trauma Informed Care and military and veteran culture, or complete the training within one month of employment.
Experience or desire to work with people who have a mental illness or substance use disorder.
Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
Team-oriented, flexible, and willing to be helpful.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as internet and email.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Highly organized and a motivated self-starter.
Excellent time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English; strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions for clients diagnosed with substance disorders.
Help clients develop skills for coping with and managing behavioral health symptoms.
Provide relapse prevention planning and assist clients in selecting and using self-directed recovery tools.
Conduct assessments and groups related to substance abuse and dependency.
Use motivational interviewing and other evidence-based practices with individuals at different stages of change to help reduce or abstain from substance use.
Work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team providing client-centered, holistic care; accompany clients to appointments and complete warm handoff referrals, including health home services.
Communicate with clients and collateral contacts and conduct outreach for care coordination.
Advocate for clients, including helping them obtain benefits and entitlements, food, housing, and appropriate community care.
Conduct interim visits after discharge from a hospital, rehabilitation program, or inpatient stay to support community tenure and readiness while clients await their first community-based mental health provider visit.
Connect clients to community self-help groups.
Provide recovery education and counseling to clients and family members.
Provide transitional support from institutions such as jails, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs to clients’ homes.
Provide preventive and crisis support services.
Provide parent skills development and training.
Conduct family 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 and policy and procedure development.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Facilitate and co-facilitate evidence-based practice groups and participate in developing their curricula.
Complete office duties as needed or required.
Complete wellness and health-promotion activities.
Follow up with clients and their families or support networks to confirm linkage to care coordination, outpatient treatment, or other community services.
Perform additional relevant duties as requested by a supervisor or management.