Peer/Family Advocate Lead

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Department:
500130 Psychiatry SMH Addiction Psych

Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:
UR URCA 205 H

Compensation Range:
$20.30 - $27.41

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

With some latitude, works individually with patients in both an inpatient and an outpatient setting under the direction of clinical staff that has overall responsibility for the patients' safety and treatment. Orients new peers, participates in the hiring process, trains peer interns, and carries other lead responsibilities. Provides services that empower individuals who receive substance use disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring disorder (COD) services to regain personal control over their lives and over their own recovery process. Provides a role model for patients and helps them to learn to engage in recovery-oriented activities and integrate into the community. Reports directly to Clinical Supervisor of Outreach services. Is tasked with orienting new peers, participating in the hiring process, training peer interns, and other lead responsibilities listed below.

SCHEDULE

- M-F 7am-3:30pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Assists patients in identifying and practicing individualized skills to deal with their SUD/COD symptoms.  Engages patients by building rapport and trust.  Interacts with patients as a peer and shares common experiences.  Facilitates patients' exploration and understanding of their SUD/COD symptoms and assists patient in identifying areas in which they need support.  Assists patients in identifying their own individual warning signs of relapse and in identifying and developing specific, individual coping strategies.  Assists patients in developing a crisis plan and crisis management skills.
- Convenes and facilitates self-help groups and activities.  Teaches self-help techniques and self-help group process skills to patients.  Facilitates the establishment of peer support networks, natural supports and social support systems (which may include attending with and transporting patients to self-help meetings and other supportive recovery activities using clinic’s fleet vehicles).
- Helps patients develop assertiveness and communications skills in order to facilitate their active participation in the treatment planning process. Assists patients in carrying out tasks defined in their treatment plans.  Teaches patients skills in daily living, learning, working, socializing, recreating, parenting and/or other skills that are relevant to the individual's recovery goals.  Initiates outreach engagement in the community with established patients and in Strong Memorial Hospital units with identified potential patients.
- Teaches patients how to negotiate bureaucracies and service systems. Provides entitlement information and teach patients how to advocate for themselves in obtaining entitlements.  Assists patients in identifying and learning how to exercise their rights.  Provides education and training on patient issues and perspectives to mental health and generic human services providers.  Supports the completion of satisfaction surveys by patients and families.
- Facilitates monthly group supervision and documentation of meeting notes.  Engages in relationship building and management with community and governmental partners as needed to further the reach and impact of peer support services and programming.  Oversight of peer support services scheduling and schedules.  Completes weekly data tracking of SDoH surveys and entry into e-record.  Provides and supports ongoing education and training.  Educates program participants and staff about various modes of recovery.  Participates in Educational Committee.  Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.  Leads and develops programming for Strong Recovery Patient Advisory Committee.  Provides case and staff supervision, consultation, education, and direct observation and provision of service delivery to achieve program objectives.  Assists in interviewing, hiring, evaluating, training, providing supervision and quality services, and monitoring.  Collaborates with the outreach supervisor to provide effective clinical supervision to peers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

- High School diploma or GED and 2 years experience as a Peer Advocate required
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Direct personal experience overcoming the challenges and recovering from substance use disorder required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Knowledge of coping skills for dealing with symptoms of SUD/COD. Basic knowledge of addiction self-help techniques and self-help group process preferred
- Basic knowledge of the goals and objectives of the SUD recovery movement preferred
- Basic knowledge of the SUD service delivery system and of patients’ rights in that system preferred
- Basic knowledge of generic human services delivery systems and entitlement programs preferred
- Ability to verbally engage and empathize with patients based on common experiences preferred
- Ability to be patient, encouraging and supportive preferred
- Ability to teach skills to individuals and small groups preferred
- Ability to facilitate group meetings preferred
- Ability to assertively advocate for patients and negotiate with service providers Preferred preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

- New York Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification (or Provisional) required
- DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Possession and maintenance of a valid New York State License and a satisfactory driving record required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.