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