Peer Specialist Hourly (Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center)

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) in New York seeks qualified peer advocates (CRPA) to provide advocacy and support to individuals in recovery. You will work as a peer, facilitating groups, helping clients access services, and supporting treatment planning within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented framework.

Responsibilities include organizing self-help activities, transporting patients as needed, and coordinating alumni programs.

Qualifications

• Current CRPA certification by the New York Certification Board (or CRPA-Provisional).
• Four or more hours of medication assisted treatment training.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model and provide advocacy and support services to individuals.
• Assist individuals in identifying, developing, and practicing coping and crisis management skills.
• Interact with individuals as a peer and identify areas needing support.
• Organize and facilitate self-help groups and activities; teach self-help techniques and group processes.
• Assist individuals in carrying out tasks in their treatment plans and participate in treatment planning.
• Help individuals develop daily living, educational, social, vocational, and other skills for empowerment and community living.
• Guide individuals to access community resources and benefits and connect them to supports.

Skills

Peer advocacy

Crisis management

Group facilitation

Advocacy

Care coordination

Transportation

Education

CRPA certification

Job description

Duties Description

All Hourly positions with the NYS Office of Addiction Services & Supports (OASAS) are utilized on an “as needed” basis, and as such there is no guarantee of work hours or a set schedule. Any/all questions should be directed to [e-mail].

• Serves as a role model and provides advocacy and support services to individuals.
• Assists individuals in identifying, developing, and practicing personalized coping and crisis management skills to deal with their psychiatric symptoms.
• Interacts with individuals as a peer and shares common experiences; and assists individuals in identifying areas in which they need support.
• Organizes and facilitates self-help groups and activities; teaches self-help techniques and group process skills; and facilitates the establishment of peer, natural, and social support networks.
• Assists individuals carry out tasks defined in their treatment plans and actively participate in their treatment planning process.
• Instructs and assists individuals in identifying or clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals, and in developing daily living, educational, social, vocational, and other skills for empowerment and successful community living.
• Assists individuals in understanding and obtaining access to available community resources and benefits; provides information; and links individuals to essential supports, such as legal, housing, education, medical, and financial services.
• Advocates for the needs of individuals; and provides education and training on their perspectives to other mental health and human service providers.
• Serves as coordinator of alumni program.
• Transports patients as needed.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Current certification as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or CRPA-Provisional by the New York Certification Board; and four or more hours of medication assisted treatment training.

NOTE: Candidate(s) must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain Medicaid/Medicare eligibility will result in the termination of employment.

Additional Comments

1. Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
2. Investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC) that includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees. Prospective employees may be required to pay any necessary fees.
3. Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees may be required to pay any necessary fees. Additionally, prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.

OASAS recognizes the value that different people, perspectives and cultures bring to the agency. We strive to create an inclusive culture that uplifts and supports our staff, fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace. Individuals with lived substance use and/or gambling experience are encouraged to apply.

New York State OASAS is an equal opportunity employer and provides opportunity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, national original, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, ability, or any other protected class. OASAS encourages people with disabilities to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail].

The mission of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is to provide, support, and oversee a data-driven continuum of addiction services delivered with equity, dignity, compassion, and respect. OASAS and the Division of Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are committed to establishing environments of safety and non-violence in keeping with the trauma informed Sanctuary Model. The standards and duties for each are to be performed in support of Sanctuary Model commitments to non-violence, emotional intelligence, democracy, open communication, social responsibility, social learning, and growth & change.

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers are Tobacco Free Facilities.