Peer Recovery Specialist (SUD)

Do you have your own personal lived experience with substance use disorder and feel empowered to help others in their recovery journey? If so, the Peer Recovery Specialist (SUD) SOR (State Opioid Response) position maybe a great fit for you!

As a Peer Recovery Specialist (SUD) you’ll serve as a source of support for individuals during all stages of recovery. You’ll also support Individuals and their families with various activities that encourage engagement, employment, self-management and personal wellness.

Independent Living, Inc., is a progressive and dynamic cross-disability services organization and a leader in the provision of peer services in the Hudson Valley region. As a Peer Recovery Specialist (SUD) you must have lived experience with substance use recovery either personally or through a family member or friend who has gone through recovery and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed, a High School diploma/equivalent plus equivalent years of experience (Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, preferred but not needed) plus two years of peer coaching or advocacy experience. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a source of support for individuals during all stages of recovery.
• Advocate for multiple pathways to recovery and engage in MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) program partnerships.
• Proactively engage families and individuals on how to access and navigate the substance use treatment system and negotiate insurance barriers to treatment. 
• Provide group support, education, recovery information and skill building classes and workshops to families and individuals regarding substance use disorders (SUD).
• Support Individuals and families, both individually and in small groups, with the following activities:

1. Help Individuals create individual recovery service plans based on recovery goals and steps to achieve those goals. 

2. Use recovery-oriented tools to help Individuals address challenges.

3. Assist Individuals to build their own self-directed wellness plans.

4. Assist Individuals to access benefits, entitlements, legal assistance, civic restoration, transportation support, health management, stable housing, and education and employment connections.

5. Support Individuals in their decision-making.

6. Set up and sustain peer and family self-help and educational groups.

7. Offer a sounding board and shoulder to lean on.

8. Advocate with individuals for what they need.

9. Support Individuals in crisis.

• Act as a role model/mentor to empower individuals to self-advocate and coordinate their own services.
• Coordinate a variety of activities that encourage engagement, employment, self-management and personal wellness. 
• Promote stabilization and acclimation in the community, leading to a greater degree of independence and improved quality of life for people with substance abuse disorders.
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems issues.
• Engage in individual advocacy by assisting Individuals with substance use disorders in protecting and promoting their rights, resolving complaints, accessing services and navigating community supports of their choice.
• Engage in systems advocacy by representing the concerns of Individuals with substance abuse disorders through the identification of patterns of problems and complaints and working with program or system administrators to resolve or eliminate these systemic problems.
• Network with other agency providers and community support services
• to maintain an integrated support system for persons with SUD.
• Educate individuals, families, and community resources about challenges, options, and resources with regard to persons with disabilities.
• Encourage independence; provide assistance in identifying and connecting with supportive services.
• Enter database statistics as required by due date.
• Complete statistical reports for the Program Manager by specified due date.
• Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by Independent Living, Inc. and specific to the job responsibilities of the position.
• Complete the partner facilities’ onboarding process and maintain authorization to provide services at their location(s)
• The above list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive, other responsibilities and/or training may be assigned or required.

SHIFT:

• Must be available Monday through Friday.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-5pm and Tuesday and Thursday 11am - 7pm.

PAY RATE: 

• $22.55/hr - $23.45/hr

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid time off
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Paid lunch
• Paid holidays from the first day of employment

• CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate), preferred.
• NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist) certification desirable.
• Must have lived experience with substance use recovery either personally or through a family member or friend who has gone through recovery and be comfortable with self-disclosure as needed.
• High School diploma/equivalent plus equivalent years of experience (Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, preferred but not needed) plus two years of peer coaching or advocacy experience.
• Must complete approved advocacy training programs within the first six months of employment.
• Must have a working knowledge of the recovery process and be willing to promote multi-pathways to recovery.
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
• Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of ASL a plus.

ILI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to a person's race, religion, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, citizenship or immigration status. arrest or conviction record or any other status protected by federal or state law.