Certified Recovery Peer Advocate - Mental Health Association of Columbia Greene Counties : Job Details

DescriptionAre you looking for a rewarding career in Mental Health & Human Services? Apply today to join an amazing team, dedicated to advocating the health & well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties Inc. is looking to fill the position of Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA). This position is full time 40 hours per week, at a rate range of $21-$24 per hour. The main worksite is located in Hudson with frequent travel throughout Columbia and Greene Counties.Full Time Benefits include Medical, Dental, Life and AD&D plan. Profit Sharing Account (employer contribution), plus Voluntary Vision, Life, AFLAC, Telemedicine (Concierge Medical), Voluntary 401K plans, EAP, generous sick, vacation, personal time, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement and much more. Plus, you get to be part of a dynamic, diverse, and supportive behavioral health organization whose mission is to Provide education and advocacy, and to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. The MHACG Youth Clubhouse is a Recovery Community Organization with drop-in centers located in Columbia and Greene Counties, dedicated to supporting youth and young adults. Our mission is to offer resources and assistance to anyone in the community who is in recovery, seeking recovery, or affected by substance use disorder (SUD). We also welcome allies who support recovery and have been impacted by SUD. We provide peer support services and participant-led programming that empower young people to work together toward personal and shared recovery and wellness goals. By creating a safe, non-judgmental, and thriving environment, we enable members to engage, experience joy, and achieve success. This supportive atmosphere fosters self-actualization, self-sufficiency, and personal recovery. Through community connections, we help youth, families, and professionals build sustainable positive support systems and create opportunities for young people to overcome the challenges posed by the current culture of addiction. Job duties include:

• Provide companionship and model a recovery-oriented lifestyle, focusing on harm reduction and raising awareness of available services to help individuals and families overcome barriers to sustained recovery as defined by them.
• Advocate for individuals both within and outside the clubhouse to support their personal recovery and wellness plans.
• Foster and maintain a supportive recovery community by coordinating activities and events.
• Conduct outreach and community education throughout Columbia and Greene Counties, engaging with various organizations such as recovery services, colleges, probation offices, middle and high schools, businesses, and community events.
• Facilitate peer-led support groups and skill-building workshops.
• Offer crisis intervention when needed.
• Connect participants with relevant community resources.
• Accurately document services provided to clubhouse members on a daily basis and complete required reporting for the Program Director.
• Attend all scheduled supervision meetings.
• Fulfill all training requirements mandated by the NYS Certification Board to maintain CRPA certification, as well as any additional training required by the Clubhouse Program.
• Uphold the confidentiality of all clubhouse members and adhere to ethical standards related to CRPA certification.
• Operate the van as assigned, following all transportation policies and procedures.
• Maintain open communication with coworkers, the Program Director, and other locations regarding scheduling, events, and transportation coordination.
• Communicate regularly with parents or legal guardians of clubhouse members about transportation, field trips, and updated records as needed.
• Stay informed about recovery trends, available community services, training opportunities, and events.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with a diverse population.

Requirements

• Valid Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification (must be maintained).
• Demonstrated ability to model abstinence or recovery from substance use.
• In-depth understanding of substance uses and recovery principles.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently.
• Self-motivated and able to maintain professional relationships with staff, providers, and clubhouse members.
• Ability to model healthy boundaries and relationships.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside regular business hours for events, training, or community meetings as needed.
• Valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation
• Regular and dependable attendance is required.
• Strong understanding of cultural diversity, with the ability to be non-judgmental and culturally competent.
• Familiarity with HIPAA privacy laws and a commitment to adhering to them.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management, email, and internet programs.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including urban, suburban, and rural communities with varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including continuous personal development and proactive management of bias.
• Ability to engage with clients regularly outside the office and in the field.

Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. All offers are contingent on the candidate's ability to obtain a Statewide Central Registry and Fingerprint clearance and must have a valid NYS Driver's License and a clean MVR.As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate in our employment practices due to an applicant's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, military status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (including transgender status), predisposing genetic characteristics/genetic information or carrier status, ancestry, ethnic group identification, ethnic background, traits historically associated with race, reproductive health decision making, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. At the Mental Health Association, we believe a diverse and inclusive workforce makes the best workforce. Salary Description $21.00-$24.00 per hour