What are the responsibilities and job description for the In-Community Peer Advocate position at Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse?
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate In-Community Peer Advocate to support individuals navigating behavioral health challenges within their communities. The ideal candidate will possess lived experience and a strong commitment to empowering others through mentorship, crisis intervention, and recovery support. As a Peer Advocate, you will serve as a vital link between community members and available behavioral health resources, fostering trust, hope, and resilience in those you serve.
Duties
- Provide peer-led support to individuals experiencing substance use related crises, utilizing crisis intervention and management techniques.
- Offer empathetic mentorship and guidance to promote recovery, self-advocacy, and community integration.
- Assist clients in navigating behavioral health services and connecting them with appropriate resources within the community.
- Utilize motivational interviewing skills to encourage positive behavioral changes and reinforce treatment goals.
- Document interactions and progress using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems accurately and confidentially.
- Collaborate with behavioral health professionals to develop personalized support plans tailored to individual needs.
- Promote awareness of substance use issues through outreach activities, educational workshops, and community engagement initiatives.
- Maintain a respectful, inclusive environment that fosters trust and empowerment for diverse populations.
Requirements
- Lived experience with behavioral health challenges or addiction recovery, demonstrating resilience and insight into the recovery process.
- Strong skills in crisis intervention and crisis management to effectively de-escalate stressful situations.
- Skilled at practicing core competencies of peer advocates.
- Possession of a valid NYS Driver's license and a driver's record considered acceptable by agency and insurance carrier.
- Continuous use of a reliable, registered and insured vehicle.
- Abide by ethical codes of conduct established by credential and agency standards.
- Knowledge of behavioral health principles.
- Experience in mentoring or social work roles that involve supporting vulnerable populations.
- Proficiency in motivational interviewing methods to facilitate client engagement and goal setting.
- Familiarity with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for documentation purposes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and foster trust within diverse communities.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team committed to client-centered care. Join us in making a meaningful difference by empowering individuals on their journey toward recovery and well-being through compassionate peer support!
- Adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards.
Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $18