A peer advocate provides outreach, advocacy, mentoring and recovery support services to those seeking or sustaining recovery. Participate as a member of the team providing services to people with behavioral health challenges and linking them to needed services /resources. Peers use their shared personal experience to promote client’s recovery, offering support, advocacy and skill development opportunities.  

Essential Functions:  

· Facilitating outreach with individuals currently in a program or considering treatment.  

· Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after periods of hospitalization or incarceration as they transition to community settings.  

· Educating program participants about various modes of recovery 

· Facilitate or co-facilitate groups provided by recovery department (HOPE, Peer Alliance, Peer Collab etc.) 

· Raising awareness of existing social and other supportive services.  

· Create and adhere to individual treatment or recovery plans, including documentation as required.  

· Provide recovery support to clients by sharing life experiences. 

· Follow HCBS and CORE peer support service delivery protocols.  

· Complete documentation according to regulations in Recovery Drive. 

· Attend supervision 1:1 with supervisor at least monthly or as needed if more. Attend weekly group supervision and participate in sharing ideas and taking/giving feedback.  

· Accompany clients to court/appointments as needed as support.  

· Teach participants recovery skills, based on shared life experiences.  

Knowledge 

· Clerical – Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms and other office procedures.  

· Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.  

· Computers and electronics – Knowledge of computer software including application and programming.  

· Office Systems – Knowledge of Microsoft Office or related software. 

Skills / Abilities  

· Oral Comprehension / Expression - The ability to listen, communicate and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 

· Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 

· Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. 

· Professionalism - The ability to anticipate work needs and interact professionally with customers.  

· Organization – Excellent organization skills and attention to detail  

· Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. 

· High school diploma/GED  

· Lived experience in mental health, substance use, and the criminal justice system.  

· Willingness to disclose lived experiences. 

· Have at least attended Recovery Coach Academy or certification as a recovery peer advocate or peer specialist.  

· Current and valid NYS driver’s license.