Lead Certified Recovery Specialist

PMHCC•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services is supporting a pilot project, the Journey of Hope Project (JOH), to demonstrate a holistic model for treatment and post-treatment services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and substance use disorder. This role involves providing Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) support, including a Lead CRS, to JOH Members and Alumni. The project will also hire CRSs and Peer Stipend Workers (PSWs) to offer paid internships to JOH alumni. This position will work closely with JOH supervisory staff to lead, guide, and coordinate the provider CRS and PSW positions, and support participants and alumni in their recovery process.

Requirements

Lived experience with a substance use condition.
Open-minded and willing to work with people of diverse races, backgrounds, genders, sexualities, religions, ages, and abilities.
Willing to explore biases and improve interpersonal communication.
Ability to use lived experience to engage, establish rapport, and promote change.
Ability to deliver services and activities at times and locations that are necessary to meet the needs of the target population.
Ability to work directly with people who may be actively using.
Ability to work full time.
Ability to use public transportation.
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Knowledge of recovery support services, including a basic understanding of peer support services.
Knowledge of services in the community.
Commitment to supporting multiple pathways to recovery, including medicated-assisted treatment (MAT), medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and harm reduction interventions/approaches.
Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and ability to use a computer/keyboard/mouse/laptop including using virtual platforms for various meetings (i.e., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.).
Must have current CRS credential/certification.
Must be willing/able to obtain CRSS credential/certification within 9 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Strongly preferred lived experience with homelessness.
Strongly preferred lived experience as a Journey of Hope Alumnus.
GED

Responsibilities

Participate as a full member of the pilot site's integrated service team.
Work in a leadership role among the JOH Peer Staff Team to support the skill development of PSW and CRS staff, offering mentoring, coaching, and feedback.
Offer assistance with scheduling and shadowing opportunities in the field with PSW and CRS staff.
Strategically share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.
Assist members with identifying their interests, gifts, skills, passions, life goals, and hopes for the future, as well as personal sources of resilience and hope.
Assist members with identifying and connecting with the supports and services that will help them sustain their wellness and recovery over time.
Assist members with identifying their short- and long-term needs, preferences, and goals related to services.
Support members in practicing new skills learned in treatment and developing routines to prepare for community integration.
Work with people who may be actively using.
Work in partnership with clinical staff to provide individualized services.
Support members with identifying and strengthening their relationships with recovery allies.
Assist members in identifying their personal obstacles to recovery.
After housing match, assertively connect members to relevant community resources and activities in their preferred neighborhood.
Accompany members to appointments and other recreational activities, while conducting warm handoffs, when appropriate.
Continuously expand knowledge of the community resources, services, and programs available to members, and build ongoing relationships with these organizations.
Facilitate peer support groups including but not limited to weekly JOH Alumni Group and SMART Recovery group(s).
Assertively engage and support members who have transitioned from residential treatment to community housing.
Participate in orientation, training, staff meetings, and supervision.
Write chart notes that describe individual encounters and group experiences.
Keep accurate and timely documentation.
Track information needed for pilot project.
Work with program leadership to ensure all staff are knowledgeable about the role of peer staff.
Provide direction to CRS staff on how to access supports and services across Philadelphia that will help members to sustain their wellness and recovery over time in the community of their choice.
Coordinate with other JOH project CRS staff to ensure they have access to resources and materials to effectively and timely respond to members' needs and preferences.
Model for CRS staff in JOH Project how to strategically share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships.
Foster a means to work with members in the community.
Support CRS staff in the JOH project in accessing training opportunities and practicing new approaches as well as developing routines to integrate recovery-oriented values and practices into daily operations.