The role of a Recovery Peer Advocate is to provide peer support services based on clinical need as identified in the client’s treatment plan. The Recovery Peer Advocate works in partnership with the Substance Use Treatment team to facilitate engagement, communication, self- advocacy, and recovery support services to those participating in treatment in the Substance Use clinic.

Recovery Peer Advocates are individuals who currently hold an OASAS approved certification OR progressing towards certification while working in an OASAS certified program supervised by a credentialed or licensed clinical staff member. A Recovery Peer Advocate is someone with lived experience with substance use who uses their experiential knowledge to support the recovery goals of individuals who use drugs and/or alcohol. Peers are natural support experts, meaning that the relationships they establish can lead to increased feelings of support, safety, and wellbeing among the individuals they serve. Through a combination of lived experience and professional training, peers can provide an array of services to treatment program participants including but not limited to:

Responsibilities:

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  Meets with new or disengaged individuals to facilitate engagement in treatment

  
  


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  Assists clients with development of recovery plans

  
  


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  Raises awareness and linking participants to existing social and other support services including formal recovery supports.

  
  


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  Models coping skills

  
  


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  Assists with applying for benefits

  
  


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  Accompanies clients to medical appointment

  
  


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  Provides non-clinical crisis support, especially after periods of hospitalization or incarceration

  
  


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  Accompanies clients to court appearances and other appointments

  
  


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  Works with participants to identify strengths

  
  


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  Educates program participants about various modes of recovery

  
  


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  Travel training – to use public transportation independently

  
  


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  Participates in interdisciplinary staff meetings and conferences.

  
  


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  Maintains records in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with regulations.

  
  

Administrative Relationships:

The Recovery Peer Advocate reports directly to the Substance Use Treatment Program Director.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma/G.E.D. required, Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services related field preferred. NYS OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) with CCAR Certificate is required or candidate can be PROGRESSING towards certification while working in an OASAS certified program supervised by a credentialed or licensed clinical staff member(link removed) Individual must have an understanding of and respect for each individual’s unique pathway to recovery. Peer Advocate must have a working knowledge of the substance use disorder treatment systems, support services, and a demonstrated commitment to the Recovery Community. Strong written and verbal communication skills and computer literacy required.