POSITION OVERVIEW:

The OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate position requires someone who is culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of the Latino population, possesses excellent computer skills, can function as a part of an interdisciplinary team, and have an understanding of therapy and group work rooted in evidenced-based approaches for intervention and management strategies. Peer Support services are peer-delivered services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus. They are designed to promote skills for coping with and managing behavioral health symptoms while facilitating the utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of recovery-oriented principles (e.g. hope and self-efficacy, and community living skills). Peer support uses trauma-informed, non-clinical assistance to achieve long-term recovery from a behavioral health disorder. This is a non-union position.

Pays: $21.97 per hour.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide integrated peer care services to the client population at the clinic as indicated by the OASAS, CCBHC expansion scope of practice.
• Provide clients with services in the field as required.
• Participate in grant-related workshops and training.
• Use the grant portals; SPARS to enter any grant-required data in terms of service provision, and clinical indicators.
• Provide recovery-oriented interventions for adults and children diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses and co-morbid disorders.
• Provide integrated dual disorder services, including relapse prevention planning.
• Conduct assessments and groups specific to substance abuse and dependency.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and other EBPs while working with individuals at different stages of change to help individuals reduce use/abstain from substance use.
• Work as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team that practices client-centered and holistic care; accompany clients to appointments and complete warm-hand referrals, including health homes services.
• Communicate effectively with clients and collateral contacts and conduct outreach for care coordination.
• Provide advocacy services for clients, including assisting individuals to obtain benefits and entitlements, obtain food, obtain housing, and access appropriate care in the community.
• Conduct interim visits with individuals after a discharge from a hospital, rehab, or inpatient stay to facilitate community tenure and increased readiness while waiting for the first post-discharge visit with a community-based mental health provider.
• Assist in the selection and utilization of self-directed recovery tools such as relapse prevention planning.
• Connect individuals to self-help groups in the community.
• Provide recovery education and counseling to individuals and their family members.
• Provide transitional support- bridging from an institution (jail, hospital, rehab) to an individual"s home.
• Provide pre-crisis and crisis support services.
• Provide parent skills development and training.
• Conduct groups with families 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 development of policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate EBPs groups.
• Participate as a member of the EBPs group's curriculum development process.
• Perform additional relevant duties as requested by supervisor/management.
• Complete office duties as needed/required.
• Complete wellness, and health promotion activities.

EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Certification (CRPA or CRPA-P) required.
• Strongly preferred: Bi-lingual (Spanish/English)
• Experience or desire to work with people who have a mental illness.
• Experience or desire to work with people with substance use disorders.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Ability to complete work independently as well as in collaboration with team members.
• Must be team oriented with a willingness to be flexible and helpful.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, and electronic communications tools: internet and email.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Highly organized, motivated self-starter
• Excellent time management skills

*Acacia Network is an equal opportunity employer*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.97 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person