Recovery Peer Advocate

Center for Family Life and Recovery•Utica, NY

About The Position

A peer advocate provides outreach, advocacy, mentoring, and recovery support services to those seeking or sustaining recovery. This role involves participating as a member of a team providing services to people with behavioral health challenges and linking them to needed services and resources. Peers utilize their shared personal experience to promote client recovery, offering support, advocacy, and skill development opportunities.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED
Lived experience in mental health, substance use, and the criminal justice system.
Willingness to disclose lived experiences.
Have at least attended Recovery Coach Academy or certification as a recovery peer advocate or peer specialist.
Current and valid NYS driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms and other office procedures.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
Knowledge of computer software including application and programming.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office or related software.
The ability to listen, communicate and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Professionalism - The ability to anticipate work needs and interact professionally with customers.
Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Responsibilities

Facilitating outreach with individuals currently in a program or considering treatment.
Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after periods of hospitalization or incarceration as they transition to community settings.
Educating program participants about various modes of recovery.
Facilitate or co-facilitate groups provided by recovery department (HOPE, Peer Alliance, Peer Collab etc.).
Raising awareness of existing social and other supportive services.
Create and adhere to individual treatment or recovery plans, including documentation as required.
Provide recovery support to clients by sharing life experiences.
Follow HCBS and CORE peer support service delivery protocols.
Complete documentation according to regulations in Recovery Drive.
Attend supervision 1:1 with supervisor at least monthly or as needed if more. Attend weekly group supervision and participate in sharing ideas and taking/giving feedback.
Accompany clients to court/appointments as needed as support.
Teach participants recovery skills, based on shared life experiences.