We are seeking a part-time Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) to join our team at MHATC. Drawing on their own lived experience of recovery and professional training, the CRPA provides peer support, encouragement, practical assistance, and connection to resources for individuals at different stages of recovery. The CRPA supports individuals in identifying their own goals, building on their strengths, and navigating their recovery journey in a way that is meaningful to them.

Certified Recovery Peer Advocates must be comfortable connecting with people facing a wide range of substance use, mental health, housing, social, and life challenges, including individuals experiencing significant emotional distress or crisis. This is a non-clinical role. CRPAs do not diagnose, conduct clinical assessments, or provide treatment. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, knowledge of community resources, and the ability to recognize when someone may need immediate intervention or a higher level of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Peer Support: Provide individual and group peer support to clients in recovery, sharing your lived experience and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients through their recovery process.

• Recovery Coaching: Help clients set and achieve recovery goals, provide encouragement, and assist in overcoming barriers to recovery, including navigating the healthcare system and accessing resources.

• Advocate for Clients: Help clients access community resources, including housing, employment, and legal support, and assist with referrals to other healthcare or social service providers as needed.

• Outreach: Develop relationships with other community organizations that serve individuals who may benefit from Peer Support Services and proactively seek to generate referrals.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions, including progress notes and case coordination. Ensure compliance with confidentiality and other applicable regulations. 

• Office Support: As a committed team member, create a positive and welcoming environment for clients, visitors, and well functioning environment for staff. (answering phones, cleaning, covering clubhouse shifts, greeting walk-ins)

• Maintain personal recovery.

• Other duties as necessary or assigned.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential, or ability to meet the certification requirements within an established timeframe.

• Lived experience with substance use and/or mental health recovery and a willingness to use that experience appropriately to support others.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, peer-based, and person-centered approaches to support.

• Familiarity with community resources and services is preferred.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Ability to listen without judgment and support individuals in identifying and working toward their own goals.

• Ability to maintain appropriate professional and peer boundaries while using lived experience effectively and purposefully.

• Sound judgment and the ability to remain calm and supportive when working with individuals experiencing emotional distress or challenging situations.

• Ability to recognize when someone may need additional support, crisis intervention, or a higher level of care.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to maintain timely and accurate documentation.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team.

• Basic computer skills and comfort learning and using software for documentation, communication, and other day-to-day responsibilities.

• Knowledge of local community resources, or the ability and willingness to develop that knowledge.

  *Final candidates will be required to complete a background check as part of the hiring process.

  The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diversity is expressed through every person’s perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and family medical or genetic information.