Peer Counselor

Peer Counselor (CRPA)

Outreach is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time Peer Counselor (CRPA) position at REACT.

The scheduled hours for this position are 35 hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Tuesday, Thursday 1 PM - 9 PM.

Job Scope

Provide peer recovery support to clients by sharing life experiences, assisting clients to develop a recovery plan, linking clients with community based programs supportive of recovery. Peer services may be provided onsite or in the community.

• Assist clients in developing a Recovery Plan
• Maintain communication with the treatment team on behalf of clients
• Document delivered peer services in the Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Attend supervision/staff meetings as appropriate
• Accompany clients to appointments, as needed
• Support program participants in pre-crisis or crisis situations
• Teach participants recovery skills, based on shared life experiences
• Help participants transition from different levels of care, as needed
• Share information with participants about benefits, entitlements, and other supports
• Interact with staff, clients, students and visitors in a courteous, professional and respectful manner that is consistent with the agency's mission and values.
• Produce accurate, neat and thorough work.
• Prioritize and plan work time efficiently; effectively manage competing demands and deal with changes, delays and unexpected events.
• Maintain a good understanding and consistently comply with agency policy and procedures (including time and attendance, dress code, etc…).
• Support a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that allows the employee to get along with clients, students, coworkers and supervisors.
• Communicate (in writing as well as orally) clearly and concisely
• Illustrate flexibility and adaptability in role and function when circumstances warrant; (demonstrates openness to assist in needed responsibilities in evolving situations).
• Maintain appropriate boundaries, ethics and professionalism; comply with agency, OASAS and other professional code(s) of ethics; seek supervision when challenges arise.

Qualifications

Lived experience in mental health, substance use, and criminal justice

Willingness to disclose lived experiences

Certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (substance use) or Peer Specialist (mental health)

Familiarity with community based resources and programs related to substance use recovery, housing transportation, child care, food and other supports.

Clean driver's license

High School Diploma/GED and 2 years work or volunteer experience in a recovery-oriented setting

NYS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

At least 1-year volunteer or paid experience working as a Recovery Coach or CRPA

Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery process

Computer competent

Culturally competent

The following are considered a plus:

Prior experience working as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate

Experience working with persons with co-occurring mental health issues

Experience in documenting Wellness/Recovery Plans

Bilingual Spanish preferred