Group Facilitator / Peer Advocate

Carpenter Hall LLC Zinnia Exeter•Exeter, RI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for facilitating groups related to substance abuse, mental health, and other emotional/behavioral/relational issues, helping clients gain insight into their behaviors and identify actions for a healthier sober lifestyle. It also involves providing floor support and recovery-focused guidance in an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment setting, promoting safety, encouraging treatment engagement, managing behaviors, and supporting clients through daily structure. The Peer Advocate serves as a recovery role model, helping maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment to enhance engagement and strengthen the recovery community.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of lived experience with substance use and/or mental health disorders for self, family member, or loved one, and the ability to appropriately share experience with clients.
Someone who views clients’ needs with a high priority and who would be a strong advocate for them with other treatment providers.
Someone who espouses a strong desire to help others.
An acute understanding of counseling and other treatment procedures for alcoholism and drug addiction related problems.
A knowledge of regulations concerning alcoholism and drug addiction treatment.
Knowledge of alcoholism and drug addiction and treatment procedures for such illness.
Manages tasks and has strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Able to work independently.
Communicates effectively (both written and verbal) with customers and colleagues.
Organized, detail-oriented, multi-tasker, adaptable, positive.
Proficient computer skills, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and solution focused under pressure.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Basic computer proficiency and comfort with electronic documentation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services.
Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor recognized by the state.
Minimum of 1+ years’ experience as a group facilitator in Substance Abuse and Mental Health settings.
Peer Support Specialist certification preferred.
Experience facilitating groups or delivering educational content preferred.
Experience in behavioral health/substance use programming, crisis intervention, or residential treatment settings.
Knowledgeable of state licensing agency guidelines.
Must be familiar with 12 Step Recovery programs.
Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records; preferred KIPU.

Responsibilities

Facilitate both process and topic groups related to substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
Prepare group curriculum relevant to the topic.
Communicate with treatment team and other staff as needed to support clinical goals.
Complete group progress notes on the same day of service that provide detail on each clients’ participation and highlights medical necessity.
Coordinate and provide care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered.
Communicate patient needs to a variety of care team members and follow up accordingly.
Attends clinical and administrative meetings for inter-departmental sharing of information.
Work collaboratively with patients, families, therapist, and referral sources to ensure high quality care.
Facilitate multiple care aspects (case coordination, information sharing, etc.).
Promote quality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes.
Record cases information, complete accurately all necessary forms and produce statistical reports.
Adhere to professional standards as outlined by protocols, rules, and regulations.
Arrange abeyance with social services, health, and governmental agencies.
Support to the clinical team in crisis intervention.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
Maintain consistent floor presence to support a safe and therapeutic environment.
Build healthy, professional rapport with clients using empathy and lived experience.
Encourage clients who are struggling with cravings, emotions, or treatment resistance.
Assist clients in navigating program expectations, developing health routines, and connecting with internal and external recovery resources.
Utilize lived experiencing to build rapport, inspire hope, and support individuals in developing personal recovery goals.
Recognize early signs of escalation and use approved verbal de-escalation techniques.
Assist staff in managing difficult behaviors calmly and professionally.
Maintain a calming, reassuring presence during high-stress situations.
Model healthy coping skills and reinforce treatment expectations.
Engage clients considering leaving treatment prematurely using motivational support.
Redirect clients back into treatment engagement and stabilization.
Provide supportive interventions such as motivational interviewing, active listening, and problem-solving skills to review with clients the reason they came to treatment and why they should continue treatment.
Help identify short-term coping strategies to assist them in re-visiting their personal recovery goals.
Notify clinical and supervisory staff of their concerns immediately.
Provide input on program enhancements that may reduce AMA/ACA prevention.
Assist with monitoring mealtimes and smoke breaks to ensure safety and compliance.
Help manage and support group sessions, encouraging participation and respectful communication.
Assist with group setup, organization, and general structure as needed.
Support clients during daily program activities and transition between program phases.
Maintain visible, active presence in unit and common areas.
Report incidents, concerns, or policy violations accurately and promptly.
Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and facility policies at all times.
Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health records in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
Collaborate with clinical and BHT staff ensuring coordinated care and support team-based approaches to enhance client outcomes.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training to enhance peer support and facilitation skills.
Facilitate 1-2 groups a day assisting in engaging clients in clinical programming on topics indicated by schedule provided.
Deliver groups using evidence-based pre-determined curriculum with a peer-led approach that fosters participation and engagement.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive group environment.
Track attendance, complete required group documentation, and contribute to treatment planning as appropriate.