JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Program Director, the Peer Advocate engages with referred individuals to coordinate activities to form trust based relationships that foster hope for positive change and personal empowerment, leading to successful integration back into the community. Peer Advocates work closely with participants to address problems and answer questions, gather information, advocate and connect participants to resources and to the community. Advocates assist participants in goal setting and work toward developing skills. The Peer Advocates will share and discuss common peer experiences when appropriate. Advocates will assist in building a sense of community and assist participants to create meaningful lives in the community. Peer Advocates will be responsible for planning, organizing, developing, leading, and facilitating group activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintain and practice self-care.
2. Maintain good rapport with partnering agencies, executive directors, employees, team members, and director.
3. Attend trainings and community meetings both virtually and in person as required and assigned by supervisor/director.
4. Maintain and prepare detailed written record of activities to meet documentation and reporting requirements.
5. Report to and meet with supervisor/director on a regular basis.
6. Perform clerical and office duties as required and assigned.
7. Assist in training and mentoring new staff as requested.
8. Maintain a required caseload and provide support services to program participants.
9. Develop trust and rapport with participants in the program.
10. Identify person-centered strengths, needs, abilities and recovery goals of participants.
11. Conduct themselves and perform in a professional manner in accordance with the Cattaraugus County Department of Community Services Policies and Procedures.
12. Be flexible and possess the ability to handle a changing environment.
13. Display a cooperative and positive attitude with other team members harmoniously.
14. Teach and role model the value of every individual's recovery experience.
15. Assist participants with referrals and linkages to other services.
16. Provide advocacy services to participants using person-centered language and a recovery-orientated approach.
17. Plan/organize groups and activities.
18. Possess the ability to work independently and in a group setting.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for any other employee; however, this position may be required to coordinate the collection or distribution of information to/from various individuals/positions within the company.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK AND DECISION MAKING:

Works in accordance with policies and regulations which may require judgment, initiative, creativity and the ability to deal with complex factors and making of decisions based on conclusions for which there may be little precedent.

AUTONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

Works from general objectives (such as governmental and agency compliance standards) and broad and varying policies, procedures, rules or precedents with significant functional guidance. Refers specific cases to supervisor for clarification or interpretation. Review by supervisor focuses on achievement of the objective and not necessarily on the means, except when required to ensure compliance with regulations.

TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT OR TOOLS:

Microsoft Office skills including Excel, Word, Power Point, Teams and Outlook. Evidence of skills demonstrated by the ability to perform all of the basic functions within each program; including but not limited to maintaining a calendar, sending e-mail, creating letters as well as the ability to create and edit databases and spreadsheets. General office equipment is used including fax machine, computer and phone system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work follows established practices and operating procedures with some latitude for independent judgment. Maintains strict visual contact with work up to 90% of the time. May occasionally lift up to 35 lbs. without mechanical assistance. Work involves sitting, driving, and ambulating from task to task. The noise level in the work environment is usually light.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Demonstrated experience with knowledge of the New York State public mental health and substance use system. Lived experience with the behavioral health system preferred.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of advocacy, self-help and empowerment programs for recipients of mental health and substance use services. Prior experience in peer advocacy preferred.
4. Ability to convey a message of hope and recovery for people with behavioral health disabilities.
5. Ability to complete basic documentation requirements regarding work activities. Solid written and oral skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and internet/email access preferred.
6. Delineate behaviors behind values of critical care and recovery preferred.
7. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Training is preferred.
8. Completion of a peer advocacy training program or related certification is preferred. Employee must complete Academy of Peer Services Certification within the employee's first six months in this position, if the employee is not currently certified.
9. A Valid New York State Class D Driver's License and their own reliable transportation. Must have a clean driving record and adequate automobile insurance coverage.
10. Flexible schedule.
    

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Must possess advocacy skills, attention to detail, effective communication, writing and documentation skills.
2. Ability to take direction and follow through on assignments both independently and with limited or remote supervision.
3. Must have an understanding of and working knowledge of confidentiality laws (HIPAA) regarding recipient's records and personal health information.
4. Ability to demonstrate understanding of community service.
5. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Teams and internet and email.
6. Multitasking
7. Help maintain a clean, safe and secure environment.
8. Organizational skills.
9. Maintain good time management.
10. Dependability/Reliability.

Hourly Wage Range: $18.00 to $20.00

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with our without reasonable accommodation, can perform the ?essential functions? of a job.  A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Recovery Options Made Easy, is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Recovery Options Made Easy, will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact Colleen Hutchinson at Recovery Options Made Easy.