Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

Overview

Company Overview: Essen Health Care is a growing community healthcare network provides high quality, compassionate, and accessible medical care to some of the most vulnerable and under-served residents of New York State. Guided by a 'population health' model of care, Essen has five integrated clinical divisions offering services in primary & specialty offices, urgent care centers, and nursing homes, as well as house calls for home bound patients; all clinical services are also offered via telehealth. Our Care Management division supports patient-centered care through care coordination, complex care management and helping address health-related social needs.

Founded in 1999, Essen provides care in all five boroughs of New York City, with a primary focus in the Bronx. Staffed by over 300 primary and specialty care physicians and advanced clinicians, Essen Health Care is one of the largest, most comprehensive private medical groups in New York City. Essen maintains a Clinical Information Services team that maintains our enterprise-wide electronic medical record system, data repository, clinical analytics and population health capabilities. Our Community Services teams creates and sustains relationship with community organizations and agencies and health plans.

Essen is dedicated to ensuring the quality of care for all patients and has been designated 'Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home' by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Essen has won awards for its patient care innovations and recently launched Intention Health Ventures to develop and commercialize our technology innovations.

Job Summary

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) uses lived experience with substance use disorder and recovery to engage, inspire, and support individuals in treatment and recovery. This role is central to our Article 32 program, providing non-clinical peer mentorship, building recovery capital, and facilitating community linkages that promote sustained engagement and long-term wellness.

Responsibilities

Peer Engagement & Support

• Interact with clients as a peer, sharing lived experience appropriately to build rapport, reduce stigma, and model recovery
• Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after hospitalization, incarceration, or relapse episodes
• Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals and areas where they need support
• Help clients carry out tasks defined in their individual treatment plans and actively participate in treatment planning meetings

Community & Recovery Linkage

• Organize and facilitate self-help groups (e.g., SMART Recovery, NA/AA) and peer-led activities within the program
• Connect clients to community-based recovery supports, housing assistance, employment services, and social resources consistent with treatment and discharge plans
• Teach self-help techniques, group process skills, and facilitate establishment of peer, natural, and social support networks

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and thorough documentation of all billable and non-billable peer support activities in the electronic health record
• Ensure all documentation complies with HIPAA, OASAS Article 32 regulations, and Medicaid billing requirements
• Participate in utilization review, peer review activities, and case consultation meetings as needed

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Attend and participate in clinical team meetings, trainings, supervision, and continuing education to maintain CRPA certification
• Collaborate with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff to coordinate holistic, person-centered care
• Educate program participants about recovery pathways, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and relapse prevention strategies

Qualifications

• NYS OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential required
• High school diploma or GED
• > 3 months related volunteer or work experience
• 25 hours of supervision by qualified supervisory staff

Experience & Skills

• Lived experience with substance use disorder and demonstrated sustained recovery (minimum 1 year)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while sharing lived experience
• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in addiction treatment, harm reduction, or community health settings
• Knowledge of Bronx community resources (housing, employment, legal services, social supports)
• Experience facilitating peer-led groups or self-help meetings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented systems of care

$45,000-$50,000/year (based on experience and certification level)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Essen Health Care is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we seek candidates who desire to work in and serve an ethnically-diverse population.