Department: Behavioral Health

Location: SLH - GH Main (40)

Hours Per Week: 40

Schedule: Days

SUMMARY:

The overall purpose for this position is to provide support, advocacy, outreach, and education to primarily engage pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in St. Lawrence Health System’s M-WRAP program with their recovery from opioid use disorder. The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate will work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team and in conjunction with the patient will develop a patient centered Recovery Plan to help initiate and sustain an individual in their recovery from substance use or addiction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meets regularly with the patient 1:1 to provide direct coaching, education and advocacy in linking, engaging and retaining patients in services identified in the Recovery Plan
• Acts as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator to recovering patients in order to promote long term recovery
• Ability to share personal recovery experiences and to develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries and ethical standards at all times
• Serves as a point of contact when patients are at risk for relapse
• Participates in On Call Services as needed
• Assists in implementing treatment plans
• Has a good working knowledge of the patient’s recovery plans and works to help the patient and their family follow the treatment plans
• Assist patient in identifying personal interests, goals, and strengths to increase successful treatment outcomes
• Assist patient in identifying barriers that may interfere with their recovery progress, and work with the patient to develop strategies to overcome identified barriers
• Assists the patient in remembering doctor’s or service organization appointments. Follow up with and engage patients who are experiencing barriers to attending appointments
• Helps the patient to understand how services will assist them in remaining in recovery
• Participates as an active member of the treatment team
• Attends and participates in treatment team meetings
• Works as an advocate for the patient in team meetings and provides information about the patient’s ability to follow treatment plans in day to day life
• Travel among several different sites within the St. Lawrence Health Systems as well as the community or the patient’s home.
• Peers may also be utilized in substance use, mental health, primary care and emergency care as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma/GED
• CRPA, or CRPA-Provisional required
• Valid NYS Drivers License required
• Reliable transportation required
• Peer Ethics Training Course
• Application must complete 500 hours of work experience, including 25 hours of supervision within 6 months
• Schedule IC&RC Exam upon completion of work experience and receive passing grade
• Maintain current certification status
• Training or education in trauma-informed service