Wellness Advocate

Position Purpose:              Will work in the Emergency Department in a grant-funded position. Utilizing the Project Assert protocols, collaborate with ED staff in order to facilitate screening of and referral for treatment of patients that struggle with substance use disorder.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provides services intended to help people to establish and maintain personal recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction and improve the quality of recovery. 
• Act as a role model to persons in recovery/seeking recovery; model/mentor the recovery process and demonstrate healthy coping skills. Inspire hope.
• Work with ED medical staff to conduct screening of and referral for treatment of substance abuse problems, including tobacco dependence. 
• Provides consultation on other inpatient medical units when requested by hospital social work/medical staff.  
• Conducts face-to-face private, confidential interviews with patients to assess need for substance abuse treatment, support or preventive services. 
• Performs a Brief Intervention on patients with alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems; discusses the process of change, uncovers barriers to care and develops a plan for change with the patient.

• Able to refer patients to local peer support options and treatment services for substance use disorders.
• Provides advocacy services to patients with alcohol and other drug related health conditions, follow-up needs and relevant information.
• Identify resources, develop or create resource plan to meet identified needs, and the ability to work with other agencies and systems to assist client in obtaining necessary resources.
• Network with and become familiar with other local agencies and services that might be of service to patients during and after medical facility stay.

• Make follow-up phone calls to see how the patient is progressing on their change plan; encouraging them to attend support meetings and follow through on referrals.
• Facilitate support groups and conduct individual coaching sessions during the week with those in early recovery from a substance use disorder, if applicable.. 

• Track and record all encounters in program documentation; maintain program database

Preparation, Experience and Skills:

• Associates degree in medical, human services, psychology or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• 2 to 3 years relevant work and/or life experience
• 3 years of active, continuous recovery; 5 years preferred;  strong working knowledge of drugs, alcohol, substance use disorders and recovery principles
• CCAR or CPRC certified or secured within the first 6 months.  CADC preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills to instill confidence and to advocate for patients and their family.
• Able to deal tactfully with others and to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with persons from varied backgrounds. 
• Moderate computer skills.