Peer Counselor

The scheduled hours for this position are 35 hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Tuesday, Thursday 1 PM - 9 PM.

Job Scope:

Provide peer recovery support to clients by sharing life experiences, assisting clients to develop a recovery plan, linking clients with community based programs supportive of recovery. Peer services may be provided onsite or in the community. 

 Assist clients in developing a Recovery Plan 

 Maintain communication with the treatment team on behalf of clients 

 Document delivered peer services in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) 

 Attend supervision/staff meetings as appropriate 

 Accompany clients to appointments, as needed 

 Support program participants in pre-crisis or crisis situations 

 Teach participants recovery skills, based on shared life experiences 

 Help participants transition from different levels of care, as needed 

 Share information with participants about benefits, entitlements, and other supports 

 Interact with staff, clients, students and visitors in a courteous, professional and respectful manner manner that is consistent with the agency’s mission and values. 

 Produce accurate, neat and thorough work. 

 Prioritize and plan work time efficiently; effectively manage competing demands and deal with changes, delays and unexpected events. 

 Maintain a good understanding and consistently comply with agency policy and procedures (including time and attendance, dress code, etc…). 

 Support a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that allows the employee to get along with clients, students, coworkers and supervisors. 

 Communicate (in writing as well as orally) clearly and concisely 

 Illustrate flexibility and adaptability in role and function when circumstances warrant; (demonstrates openness to assist in needed responsibilities in evolving situations). 

 Maintain appropriate boundaries, ethics and professionalism; comply with agency, OASAS and other professional code(s) of ethics; seek supervision when challenges arise. 

Qualifications 

 Lived experience in mental health, substance use, and criminal justice 

 Willingness to disclose lived experiences 

 Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (substance use) or Peer Specialist (mental health) 

 Familiarity with community based resources and programs related to substance use recovery, housing transportation, child care, food and other supports. 

 Clean driver’s license 

 High School Diploma/GED and 2 years work or volunteer experience in a recovery-oriented setting 

 NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) 

 At least 1-year volunteer or paid experience working as a Recovery Coach or CRPA 

 Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery process 

 Computer competent 

 Culturally competent 

The following are considered a plus: 

 Prior experience working as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate 

 Experience working with persons with co-occurring mental health issues 

 Experience in documenting Wellness/Recovery Plans 

Bilingual Spanish preferred