Community Resource Peer Advocate (CRPA)

Great Opportunity to Join a Dynamic and Highly Respected Team! About PYHIT (Peter Young Housing Industries and Treatment)

Mission and Values

Peter Young Housing, Industries, and Treatment (PYHIT) is a reputable and committed nonprofit 501(c)(3). PYHIT and its staff serve the impoverished, the addicted, and the socially disenfranchised in many communities.

Peter Young Housing, Industries, and Treatment, offers a wide range of substance abuse treatment services, and housing. This results in giving program participants the tools to reintegrate back into the community as dignified, productive and contributing membersof society.

PYHIT’s Values

● We are patient-oriented

● We operate with honesty and integrity

● We treat everyone with mutual respect and sensitivity, recognizing the importance of diversity

● We are accountable to patients, employees and providers

● We are committed to quality, motivation and excellence

● We communicate openly and frequently

● We are a synergized, team-oriented agency

Job Summary

Peter Young Housing, Industries and Treatment (PYHIT) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) to join our team. The CRPA provides peer-based recovery support services to individuals experiencing substance use and/or mental health challenges. Using lived experience, the CRPA offers hope, encouragement, advocacy, and guidance while helping individuals identify goals, develop recovery plans, and connect with community resources. The CRPA works collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff to promote self-sufficiency, wellness, and long-term recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support services using lived experience to encourage hope, recovery, and personal growth.
• Build supportive, trusting relationships with participants while promoting recovery-oriented principles.
• Assist individuals in identifying strengths, setting personal goals, and developing individualized recovery plans.
• Educate participants on recovery resources, wellness strategies, coping skills, relapse prevention, and self-advocacy.
• Connect individuals to community resources, including housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, employment, education, transportation, benefits, and other supportive services.
• Advocate for participants to ensure they have access to appropriate services and supports.
• Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-focused educational workshops as assigned.
• Assist participants in developing independent living skills and increasing community integration.
• Provide support during times of crisis and assist participants in accessing appropriate emergency or clinical services when needed.
• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, clinicians, housing staff, and other members of the treatment team to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, supervision, and required training.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment.
• Maintain professional boundaries while serving as a positive role model.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequired

• Current New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification.
• Lived experience with recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support principles.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computer skills and ability to complete electronic documentation.
• Valid New York State driver's license, if required by program.

Preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree or coursework in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience providing peer support services in residential, outpatient, shelter, or community-based settings.
• Knowledge of local community resources and recovery support services.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Recovery-Oriented Care
• Peer Support and Advocacy
• Communication and Active Listening
• Crisis Response
• Resource Coordination
• Professional Boundaries and Ethics
• Cultural Competency
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Documentation and Organization

Working Conditions

This position may require evening, weekend, and holiday hours depending on program needs. The CRPA may work in residential programs, shelters, outpatient settings, or community locations and may travel locally to accompany participants to appointments, meetings, or recovery-related activities.

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21