Working under the support and supervision of the Director of Recovery Services, the Peer Recovery Specialist will assist in developing and implementing the program ensuring implementation of activities designed to fulfill the vision/mission of the Recovery Center providing outreach and guidance to community members and clients at risk of or with substance abuse disorders. The Peer Recovery Specialist provides peer-assisted guidance to individuals and family members in recovery that are involved in treatment for substance abuse. S/he aids in removing barriers and obstacles to recovery by serving as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking or in recovery.

This position hours and days are TBD.

Essential Job Functions

Team Member Functions

· Assist in creating new community outreach programs

· Assist with the program set up and reaching out to stakeholders,

· Assists in setting up recovery-oriented support groups

· Assists in developing programming, creating and hosting sober events and activities, and monitoring the safety of participants

· Assists in ensuring the code of conduct is adhered to by all members, employees, and participants

· Work effectively with a team to help create an environment of emotional safety, instrumental concrete support, and positive affiliation

· Articulate organization, department, and program vision and goals to internal and external stakeholders

· Assists with the day-to –day operations of the recovery center, ensuring motivation, compliance and performance levels are maintained as directed by the Director Recovery Services

· Work with Director of Recovery Services to cultivate relationships in the community

· Uphold program rule and consequences and adhere to and uphold all program procedures and agency policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook

· Assist in development and implementation of Recovery Center program and related activities

· Participate, engage and work with program staff in implementing program activities to achieve program goals

· Records and reports data and utilizes evaluation tools within program

· Assists in developing strategies for successfully reaching program outcomes and goals on a continuous basis which includes assisting with an outreach plan, and assisting with developing and maintaining the AIR social media pages

· Use collected data for program improvement

· Enlist the involvement of community leaders, human service agencies, family members who have a stake in the recovery process

· Regularly meet with supervisor to discuss the progress of the program

· Participate in agency staff meetings and trainings as assigned by the Director Recovery Services

Peer Recovery Specialist Functions

· In conjunction with clients, develop and implement a Recovery Plan to help initiate and sustain an individual/family in their recovery from substance use or addiction.

· Meet regularly with clients on a 1:1 basis serving as a guide and mentor to help them learn more about recovery and self-help meetings or other supports, help them build a strong support network that meets their needs, and to assist them in their decision making and support steps toward recovery.

• Help a client find and utilize if necessary resources for harm reduction, detox, treatment, family support and education, local or online support groups which may include accompanying clients to initial self-help meetings.

· Assist clients with applying for benefits and with travel training, accompany clients to court appearances and medical or other appointments, and assist with other social determinates of health that present as a barrier to sustainable recovery.

· Assist clients with applying to referral agencies and programs.

· Assist clients with overcoming any barriers with social determinants of health that may impact their overall wellness.

• Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after periods of hospitalization or incarceration.
• Conduct outreach both telephonically and in the community to assist with motivation in treatment, and identify any barriers to successful engagement.
• Help individuals find ways to stop using (abstinence), or reduce harm associated with addictive behaviors.
• Provide education and support on the use and availability of medication assisted treatment.
• Assist in developing and expanding peer support services within the existing community to ensure cultural alignment with the population.

· Operate vehicle (both personal and agency) for mobile peer services, client transportation etc.

· Create and maintain detailed consistent and accurate client records documenting recovery plans and progress.

· Adhere to agency policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and other governmental and/or agency regulations.

· Meets with Supervisor for supervision on a regular basis to receive ongoing support and oversight.

· Collaborate and co-operate with community supports and providers such as the department of social services, VESID program, local physicians’ offices, hospitals, etc. to help guide clients towards successful attainment of their recovery goals.

Secondary Functions

· Participates as a contributing member of an interdisciplinary team in coordination and delivery of client care.

· Participates in professional education that supports continuous improvement of client care including weekly case management staff meetings.

· Consistently reviews policies and procedures and stays abreast of current laws, regulations and policies.

· Will be expected to participate in on-call hours, as scheduled.

· Performs other related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Ability to maintain mutual respect with peers in recovery in regards to their goals, aspirations, and talents while helping them understand and work through their triggers and unhealthy habits and thoughts.

· Knowledge of substance use disorders and their effects on the individual and family members including human behavior, attitudes, and motivations and their applicability in the recovery process.

· Ability to effectively manage and/or work with a diversity of clients with a range of needs.

· Ability to accurately prepare and maintain documentation of supports, recovery plans, reports, etc. utilizing computer databases and software programs including electronic health records.

· Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, clients and the general public.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be able to:

· Use a computer including keyboard and mouse operations; visual and/or auditory capacity.

· The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

· Must possess valid driver’s license and be able to drive

The Peer Recovery Specialist -Recovery Center could be needed at irregular hours causing fatigue and stress. The Peer Recovery Specialist may experience stress and stress related symptoms due to interacting with clients in recovery. S/he may be exposed to illness and unsanitary conditions so must take care to protect their own health. They may also have to manage physically threatening clients and be prepared to be responsible for their own safety, and the safety of others.

Qualifications

Minimum of a High School/GED diploma; an Associate’s degree with a major in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling or other related field preferred and at least 1 year of experience in clinical setting. Must be a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate.

Requires a valid driver’s license with no more than 4 points and no moving violations within the past 6 months.

This job description is intended to provide a description of essential job functions that are used in order to assess employee performance. It is not an all-inclusive statement of job responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Addiction counseling: 2 years (Required)
• Mentoring: 2 years (Required)
• Peer Recovery Specialist: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CRPA, CRPA-P (Preferred)
• Drivers License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bath, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person