Recovery Peer Advocate

The Recovery Peer Advocate is an individual who uses their knowledge acquired through lived experience related to substance use, to support the recovery goals of individuals who use drugs and/or alcohol. Peer support services are defined by OASAS as “services for the purpose of outreach for engaging an individual to consider entering treatment, reinforcing current patients’ engagement in treatment and connecting patients to community-based recovery supports consistent with treatment/recovery and discharge plans.” Peer support services target recovery outcomes such as improved health and wellness; an increased sense of self-efficacy or empowerment; and increased success and satisfaction in a range of community settings such as work, home and school.

As part of the Essential Functions of this role, the Recovery Peer Advocate :

• Engage with individuals who are considering changing behaviors and/or entering treatment, both onsite and in the community.
• Provide outreach, advocacy, mentoring and recovery support services to those seeking or sustaining recovery.
• Engage with patients to attend treatment or other healthcare services as well as navigating treatment options. Raise awareness of existing social and other support services.
• Provide non-clinical crisis support.
• Develop recovery plans in collaboration with patient and complete all documentation required to meet standards and regulation.
• Provide additional referral options as appropriate (i.e.: primary care, testing, mental health counseling, case management, housing information, social services).
• Provide services to patients that have a high rate of hospital utilization to decrease readmission and emergency room occurrences.
• Model healthy coping skills for patients.
• Assist patients in transitioning from low threshold program to outpatient program.
• Participates in individual and/or group supervision. Coordinate with treatment team as appropriate to provide comprehensive services.
• Provides outreach to collateral contacts by telephone with patient’s family members and/or treatment providers
• Conducts role-appropriate brief screenings and interventions with patients, as appropriate and requested.
• Facilitates referrals for patient care to providers inside and outside of Evergreen Health, as requested by a member of the CBH treatment team.
• Facilitates data collection and report generation related to patient care, as requested.
• Completes required documentation into electronic charting system in a timely manner.
• Conducts interviews and completes the initial and follow up GPRA tool and other required paperwork for patients per grant requirements.
• Identifies and develops relationships with community agencies that can assist with promoting programs and services targeted to high risk communities.
• Provides a positive, welcoming, harm reduction, trauma informed, and customer service-oriented experience for patients.
• Provides direct care services within scope of practice as needed (CRPA, CASAC).
• Other duties as requested.

Qualified candidate will hold an high school diploma or GED. Must be CRPA certified or willing to complete CRPA-P requirements within 60-90 days .Must be familiar with the targeted communities (people who use substances that may or may not be in treatment). Must possess experience working with diverse patient populations, including but not limited to people with mental health and/or substance use concerns and individuals who are racial/ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+, and individuals living with HIV. Working knowledge of electronic medical records software (Medent), knowledge of medical terminology preferred, but not required.

Job type: Full Time

Required Education: High school diploma or GED.

Required Credentials: Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or willing to complete requirements

What Evergreen Health Offers You:

• Multiple comprehensive medical health insurance plans for you to choose from
• Dental and Vision coverage at no cost to you
• Paid Time Off package that equals 4 weeks of time in your first year
• 403b with a generous company match
• Paid parking or monthly metro pass
• Professional development opportunities