Recovery Coach Peer Intern

Title: Recovery Coach/Peer Advocate Intern

Department: Substance Use Services

Reports To: Next Step Program Director & Coordinators

Location: Next Step Resource & Recovery Center – 56 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

Position Status: Part-Time (at least 14 hours per week), Temporary

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – the poor and working poor, low income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Next Step Resource & Recovery Center is a caring, energetic recovery support community for Staten Islanders in all stages of recovery from dependency on drugs or alcohol. We offer options for people seeking treatment, activities and workshops for people engaging in recovery, and support for families helping a loved one. The Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

Under the supervision of credentialed Recovery Coaches, Peer Advocate Interns will develop and implement outreach and education events; group support, education and recreation; and individual recovery education, support, and referrals.

Internship hours are supervised by Program Director and Coordinators. Recovery Coaches/Peer Interns who complete 150 hours of service with the Next Step Resource & Recovery Center may qualify for financial assistance to complete the Recovery Coach Certification application.

A minimum of 14 hours per week required. Hours are flexible.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the design and execution of community outreach strategies and recruitment activities
• Design and implement community education workshops, intended to reduce substance use related stigma, provide resources for harm reduction, recovery coaching, and treatment options
• Facilitate support, education, and activity groups at the Recovery Center
• Document all activities including outreach, workshops, groups, and individual recovery support
• Work with community groups, business, and corporations to increase group volunteering at the Center
• Design and implement community events fostering family strengthening and engagement for people in all stages of recovery
• Attend Recovery Center peer leader meetings
• Align all activities with CHASI’s mission, core values, and culture
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or CRPA-P required
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of substance use and recovery issues, with evidence of substance abuse related training
• Able to work independently when deployed off site and to present appropriately in a variety of community-based settings
• Able to meet individuals where they are and to include harm reduction among the multiple pathways that individuals may take toward recovery and wellness
• Effective communicator, able to listen, clearly explain information, and engage in collaborative coaching discussions
• Capable of writing accurate, clear, and logical documentation of service encounters
• Able to demonstrate appropriate judgment and independent thinking in field-based settings, including prioritizing time-sensitive or competing tasks and determining when to seek supervisory consultation
• Flexible with regularly changing demands and modified assignments
• Committed to empowering individuals to make informed choices
• Computer literate in word processing, email, and Internet navigation
• Willing and able to travel outside traditional office environment via public transportation
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
• Competence to work effectively and respectfully with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Willingness to share lived experience appropriately and judiciously to promote engagement and inspire hope
• Valid driver’s license and own car to travel to field-based service sites a plus but not required

Please note that as a public health organization committed to the health of our community, CHASI is requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment; if you are offered the role you will be required to at least have one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to begin employment. Please inquire if you believe you qualify for a religious or medical exemption. 

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.