Billing Advocate

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

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
• More than 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.

Essen Medical Associates