UConnectCare Behavioral Health Services(UCC) (formerly known as Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA)) is a rapidly expanding nonprofit organization located in Western NY that has been offering help to those impacted by substance use disorder through prevention, treatment, and recovery services for over 40 years. UCC has earned a local and regional reputation for excellence and has been recognized as a Best Company to Work for in New York. As the opioid epidemic plagues our communities, GCASA’s work is more relevant and critically needed than ever before. We are looking for amazing individuals who want to make a difference in the communities we serve.
Treatment Court Liaison/Certified Recovery Peer Advocate - grant funded.
SUPERVISION: Supervised by the Director of Treatment programs
Job Summary: The Treatment Court Liaison/Certified Recovery Peer Advocate assists in the development and monitoring of the recovery systems of UConnectCare (formerly known as GCASA). They will demonstrate relevant, competent knowledge and skills in the area of providing one-on-one recovery services and support to individuals while maintaining a professional relationship with the Criminal Justice setting specifically Treatment Court. In addition, they will provide linkage with other service providers in the community.
1. Manage a caseload of 15 – 20 high-needs (serious mental illness, substance use, homelessness) participants at a time, providing face-to-face, telephonic, and community peer counseling.
2. Review participants’ release conditions in coordination with assigned court staff and other service providers, utilize evidence-based support techniques to engage individuals in completing all treatment appointments and court appearances, and provide linkage to community-based recovery support services as needed.
3. Develop and maintain relationships with participants to provide self-help tools, recovery, transitional, and pre-crisis/crisis supports while utilizing self-disclosure in an appropriate manner to assist with building rapport.
4. Meet with participants in office and community settings to provide emotional support, guidance, advocacy, assistance in navigating systems of care, and attending court dates when a participant is anxious or apprehensive about court proceedings.
5. Provide peer recovery support to participants upon completion of arraignment, identify immediate needs or concerns, and facilitate immediate connections to community-based services.
6. Facilitate peer-led support groups for participants with substance use and/or behavioral health concerns, who may be resistant to, or awaiting formal treatment.
7. Maintain accurate, efficient and timely documentation of participant interactions and progress notes, with a focus on accurately collecting data for programmatic research purposes.
8. Develop collaborative relationships and provide liaison services between individuals, UConnectCare, the Criminal Justice system and other necessary services in the community.
9. Work within the framework of UConnectCare’s recovery services to help individuals develop recovery plans, learn and practice new skills, and self-monitor their progress.
10. Collect and report data regarding individuals receiving recovery services. Keep up to date records to ensure appropriate service delivery and reimbursement when applicable.
11. Contribute to the knowledge base of the agency and the profession by attending ongoing and up to date relevant trainings associated with recovery services.
12. Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs.
Minimum Qualifications: Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or jurisdictionally certified high school equivalency. Must have or be willing to obtain within the first six months of employment the Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA). Must have or be willing to obtain within the first six months of employment a knowledgebase of psychostimulant recovery, treatment, and prevention best-practices. Must have one year of professional experience working in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting. Proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite, email, EMR (10e11) and other systems. Preferred knowledge of community-based recovery services, Treatment Courts, Pretrial/Supervised Release, Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Compassion, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude. Valid NYS driver’s license and method of transportation required. Scheduled work hours will be flexible to provide maximum coverage as needed and may vary accordingly to include weekdays, weekends, and/or evenings. Must be addiction free, including tobacco. Pre-employment background check/post offer drug screening required. This is an hourly nonexempt job.This is a grant funded position. CARF & NHSC Accredited.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Relocate:
- Batavia, NY 14020: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person