Certified Recovery Peer Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

MISSION STATEMENT:
Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion? For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond. We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate provides patients advocacy, outreach, education, support services. Skills and competencies required for the position include communication, cultural competence, training professional experiences, and education. The activities are tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities. This position includes   no managerial or supervisory responsibilities.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide support for adults diagnosed with substance use disorders.
• Working as a member of multidisciplinary treatment team that practices client centered and holistic care; accompany clients to appointments and complete warm- hand off referrals, including health homes services.
• Communicating effectively with clients and collateral contacts and conduct outreach for care coordination.
• Provide direct coaching, education, and advocacy in linking, engaging and retaining clients in services identified in the care of plan.
• Escort clients to appointments and provide and gather critical information, both in the field and in the office, with the goal of health and wellness promotion and a reduction in preventable negative health or social events.
• Participate in staff and organizational meetings as requested for care coordination and development of policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Participates in integrated meetings and indicators as per grant requirements
• Conduct outreach and engagement such as interim visits with individuals after a discharge from a hospital, rehab, or inpatient stay to facilitate community tenure and increased readiness while waiting for the first post- discharge visit with a community substance use disorder provider.
• Assist in the selection and utilization of self-directed recovery tools such as relapse prevention planning as part of assisting clients with self-help tools.
• Connect individuals to self-help groups in the community.
• Provide recovery education and counseling to individuals and their family members.
• Provide transitional supports- bridging from an institution (jail, hospital, and rehab) to an individual’s home.
• Provide pre-crisis and crisis support services.
• Participate in staff and organizational meetings as requested for care coordination.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate as member of the EBPs groups’ curriculum development process.
• Complete wellness, health promotions activities
• Follow-up with the individual and the individual’s family/support network to confirm linkage to Care Coordination, outpatient treatment or other community services.
• Perform additional relevant duties as requested by supervisor/management.
• Complete office duties as needed/required

REQUIREMENTS:

• Hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency. 
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English); strongly preferred.
• NYS OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification is required. Provisional certification will be accepted within 12 months to obtain full certification. 
• Obtain within thirty days of hire
  • Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
  • Code of Ethical Conduct (6 hours)
  • Confidentiality related to 42CFR (3 hours)
  • Medication Supported Recovery (3 hours)
    • Mandated Reporter
  • Experience or desire to work with people who have a substance use disorder and mental illness.
  • Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
  • Ability to complete work independently as well as in collaboration with team members.
  • Must be team oriented with a willingness to be flexible and helpful.
  • Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, and electronic communications tools: internet and email.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Highly organized, motivated self-starter.
  • Excellent time management skills.

WHY JOIN US?

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.