Housing Peer Advocate

Schedule:

Full-Time: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

SUMMARY

The OASAS Housing Peer Advocate will provide support and guidance as part of a multi-disciplinary team to clients in recovery from substance abuse, who reside THRIVE PSH/TSU housing units in Jefferson & Lewis counties, in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures. The position is for an individual who has experience with, or knowledge of, the needs of those diagnosed with substance abuse and how to assist them with locating permanent housing and accessing community resources, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in initial contact with individuals who are experiencing housing challenges or homelessness and are in need of assistance.
• Provide recovery support to clients by sharing life experiences in an effort to teach peer participant recovery skills.
• Assist peer participants in the development of a personal self-directed recovery plan.
• Educate program participants about various pathways to recovery
• Assists individuals in finding long term permanent housing options as needed.
• Accompany peer participants to court appearances, medical appointments, and other appointments.
• Link participants with needed community resources and treatment services.
• Provide outreach to help participants connect with desired services.
• Share information with participants about benefits, entitlements, and other supports.
• Work with participants to identify strengths
• Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after periods of hospitalization or incarceration
• Perform a variety of miscellaneous duties as requested to support department and or organization objectives including, but not limited to, completing and maintaining accurate and detailed client case records and related reports as required by agency procedures, filing, and responding to inquiries via phone and email.
• Maintain professional growth and development by attending staff meetings, events and community coalitions.
• Strictly adhere to Peer Advocate Code of Conduct.
• Performs other duties as assigned or that may develop.
• Management has the right to add or change the duties of this position at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Required: High School Diploma or GED, Experience as a peer/family member, with personal experiences of recovery regarding mental illness and/or substance use conditions.

Preferred: Prior work experience in peer support activities.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Required: Must maintain valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Have or obtain Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) at the time of employment, or obtain provisional within 3 months of commencement of employment.