Peer Advocate

Job Summary:

FLACRA is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Advocate to join our team. As a Peer Advocate, you will provide peer support services to individuals experiencing serious mental illness and/or substance use challenges. Under the supervision of the Director of Housing and Vocational Rehabilitation Services, you will serve as a role model, using your lived experience in recovery to offer guidance, advocacy, and support to help clients navigate their own recovery journeys.

In this role, you will be an integral part of the client's treatment team, helping to facilitate recovery plans and promote independence within the community. You'll also play a key role in engaging clients in early stages of treatment and assisting with transitions as they progress through their recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in client treatment teams, including team meetings and treatment planning.
• Assist clients in developing recovery plans, including crisis plans.
• Provide psycho-education focused on illness management and peer support through one-on-one sessions.
• Share your own recovery experiences to serve as a role model, teaching coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Offer case management support by coordinating services, resourcing, and collaborating with external providers.
• Maintain accurate and thorough records on all assigned clients, using documentation to track and support progress.
• Advocate on behalf of clients, ensuring their needs are addressed within the treatment team.
• Facilitate outreach to clients who are struggling to engage in treatment, using early engagement strategies.
• Lead outreach efforts and provide support to peers in early stages of recovery and treatment engagement.
• Support and mentor other peers within the agency, helping Tier 1 peers grow into leadership roles.
• Participate in required trainings to maintain certifications and improve skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

About Us:

Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA) is a growing, not-for-profit provider of behavioral health and substance use treatment services throughout the Finger Lakes Region. Our comprehensive programs include outpatient services, residential care, crisis intervention, vocational support, housing, and youth services. We are committed to providing professional development opportunities for our staff and fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

At FLACRA, we are dedicated to creating an employee-centered culture that values diversity, inclusion, and respect. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our team of professionals committed to making a positive impact in the community.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid NYS Driver's License with the ability to use a personal vehicle for client visits.
• Lived experience in recovery or experience caring for/supporting someone facing mental health or substance use challenges.
• Willingness to participate in peer certification training, with the goal of obtaining CRPA-P certification within 4 months of employment.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (NYCPS) through OMH or OASAS.
• Certified Peer Advocate (CRPA).