Recovery Advocate

Organization: Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services
organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice
County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing,
employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care
assistance, and more.

CAC provides drop-in resource centers where immediate response and support are available, and its
thriving and abundant food shelves serve fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food to thousands of
households each year. CAC also administers multiple housing services spanning from emergency shelter
to workforce housing, including ongoing support services with tenants. CAC’s Recovery Support program
helps individuals who are currently using or in recovery from substance use. Partnerships with local
employers allow CAC to connect individuals to job opportunities and enhance job skills, and CAC’s retail
clothing store provides the entire community with access to affordable clothing.

Mission & Values: CAC’s mission is to promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people
through resources, advocacy, and volunteer effort. To that end, CAC strives to be a trauma-responsive
organization, providing services that embody the idea that people can adapt, heal, and even grow from
traumatic experiences. Recognizing the effects that trauma has on individuals, families, and our society
as a whole, CAC aims to reduce the impact of trauma on the lives that the organization touches by
helping individuals to feel safe, connected and in control—over the course of many interpersonal
interactions and in a variety of welcoming settings. Responding to the community in a trauma-responsive
way is critical to the success of this position and to the mission of CAC.

CAC’s resources and staff are integral parts of their communities and include partnerships with schools,
businesses, faith communities, and other organizations. This extensive local network allows CAC to
pursue community-engaged solutions, prioritize partnerships, and collaborate with thousands of
volunteers. Currently, we are looking for a Recovery Advocate to help support the
community-responsive work of CAC.

Job Title: Recovery Advocate
Reports to: Recovery Program Manager
Primary Location: Northfield Area Learning Center (ALC) and CAC Resource Centers
Compensation: $18-23/hr
FLSA Status: Hourly, non-exempt
Hour Status: 40 hours

Job Summary: The Recovery Advocate will focus on supporting individuals, students, and families
experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) to help them overcome barriers and move forward down the
path toward recovery. CAC is looking for a dynamic advocate to support CAC’s crisis response and
long-term advocacy priorities.

Primary Job Responsibilities: CAC’s success depends on the ability of its staff and volunteers to adjust
and adapt as they dynamically meet the needs of the community. Job responsibilities include but are not
limited to:

1651 Jefferson Parkway, Suite HS-200 Northfield MN 55057
507.664.3550 PHONE 507.664.3540 FAX www.communityactioncenter.org

Youth Advocacy – Responsible for amplifying the voice of youth in a school-based setting and
throughout the community through relational and responsive advocacy and resource navigation.
Work on-site with youth to address substance use concerns, as defined by youth, and support
wellness.

• Build strong relationships with youth impacted by substance use and other life stressors

• Provide a caring, adult presence in school-based and community-based settings
• Work closely and collaboratively with school staff to identify and respond to the needs of

Adult and Family Advocacy - Responsible for amplifying the voice of participants throughout the
community through relational and responsive advocacy and resource navigation. CAC is
prioritizing innovative perspectives on empowering participants. Additional tasks
and activities include:

• Work directly with CAC staff and partner agencies to receive and respond to referrals of

• Support the work of the Family Recovery Support Program in partnership with Rice

• Coordinate and conduct community-based visits with participants
• Connect and refer individuals with eligible community resources and social services,

and case management systems

Collaboration and partnerships – Responsible for identifying and collaboratively working across
programs and organizations to serve the recovery needs of the community. Referrals and
outreach efforts can happen from a host of community partners. Additional tasks and activities
include:

• Represent CAC’s recovery support efforts related to MOST, Family Recovery Support

• Attend community events, representing CAC and the recovery program, to increase

General Responsibilities:
Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission: “To promote a healthy, caring, and just

build relationships, foster agency, and invest in the long-term wellbeing of participants

1651 Jefferson Parkway, Suite HS-200 Northfield MN 55057
507.664.3550 PHONE 507.664.3540 FAX www.communityactioncenter.org

• Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need
• Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect
• Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled organization and team meetings and

trainings

Work Environment and Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job the
employee is regularly required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, use hands to write, use computers.
Employees are subject to a minimal noise level.

Qualifications: CAC is committed to finding the right person for the position, ideal candidates
will possess many of the following qualities:

Required qualities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including both verbal and written communication
• Experience working alongside diverse populations
• Passion and patience for the process of harm reduction and recovery
• Experience with youth
• Willingness to maintain the standards, carry out the purpose, and adhere to the policies

Preferred qualities:
Working knowledge of social services and community resources for participants

• Preference given to candidates with strong knowledge of mental health and/or

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field OR 2 years of experience in

• Strong knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Rice County organizations and resources
• Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification, or willingness to obtain

Compensation: The position is designed as a full-time 40-hour/week, non-exempt position. Hourly
wage will depend on experience and qualifications with a starting range $18-23/hour plus benefits
(including a stipend for health care). Some components of the position may require occasional evening or
weekend hours as well as possible travel throughout Rice County. CAC offers flexible work arrangements,
professional development opportunities, and a chance to creatively build and implement innovative ideas.

1651 Jefferson Parkway, Suite HS-200 Northfield MN 55057
507.664.3550 PHONE 507.664.3540 FAX www.communityactioncenter.org

Equal Opportunity: CAC is an equal opportunity organization. CAC believes that the most efficient and
effective workplaces include employees from diverse backgrounds. We strive to create a work
environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, public
assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an impact in the community.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application and Hiring Process: CAC will be interviewing on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional
references to employment@communityactioncenter.org. Inquiries and questions can be sent to this
same e-mail address or by contacting CAC’s Project Coordinator, Lisa Percy, at
percy.lisa@communityactioncenter.org or 507-664-3506. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

1651 Jefferson Parkway, Suite HS-200 Northfield MN 55057
507.664.3550 PHONE 507.664.3540 FAX www.communityactioncenter.org