Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

About the role

The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) plays a crucial role in Essen Health Care's Article 32 program, providing non-clinical peer mentorship, building recovery capital, and facilitating community linkages.

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients as a peer, sharing lived experience appropriately to build rapport, reduce stigma, and model recovery
• Provide non-clinical crisis support, especially after hospitalization, incarceration, or relapse episodes
• Absorb clients in identifying personal recovery goals and areas where they need support
• Help clients carry out tasks defined in their individual treatment plans and actively participate in treatment planning meetings
• Organize and facilitate self-help groups (e.g., SMART Recovery, NA/AA) and peer-led activities within the program
• Connect clients to community-based recovery supports, housing assistance, employment services, and social resources consistent with treatment and discharge plans
• Teach self-help techniques, group process skills, and facilitate establishment of peer, natural, and social support networks

Requirements

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and thorough documentation of all billable and non-billable peer support activities in the electronic health record
• Ensure all documentation complies with HIPAA, OASAS Article 32 regulations, and Medicaid billing requirements
• Participate in utilization review, peer review activities, and case consultation meetings as needed
• Attend and participate in clinical team meetings, trainings, supervision, and continuing education to maintain CRPA certification
• Collaborate with counselors, medical providers, case managers, and administrative staff to coordinate holistic, person-centered care
• Educate program participants about recovery pathways, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and relapse prevention strategies

Qualifications

• NYS OASAS Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential required
• High school diploma or GED
• 3 months related volunteer or work experience
• 25 hours of supervision by qualified supervisory staff
• Demonstrated sustained recovery from substance use disorder (minimum 1 year)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while sharing lived experience
• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
• Prior experience working in addiction treatment, harm reduction, or community health settings
• Knowledge of Bronx community resources (housing, employment, legal services, social supports)
• Experience facilitating peer-led groups or self-help meetings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented systems of care

Skills

• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Benefits

Essen Health Care offers a competitive compensation package including a salary range of $45,000 - $50,000 per year, based on experience and certification level.

Pay

$45,000 - $50,000/year (based on experience and certification level)

Schedule

Hours are flexible to accommodate the needs of the program and clients.