Peer Specialist / Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)

Helio Health is on a mission to treat and promote recovery from the effects of substance use, mental health disorders, and other behavioral healthcare issues. To support the mission of Helio Health, the Peer Specialist / Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) assists individuals in recovery with regaining independence in their communities and sustaining their own recovery and improving their overall health. The Peer Specialist will work on a Full-Time basis out of Helio Health’s Harriet May Mills and James Street. 

Hours will be: Tues.- Sat. with 4 days 8am-4:30pm and one early evening 11:30am-8pm. 

In addition to Helio Health’s comprehensive benefits package, Full-Time hires for this position are eligible for a Sign-On incentive up to $1,500!

Pay rate: $21.28 per hour. 

• A Peer Specialist may have the following responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with individuals to develop a person centered recovery plan.
  • Link patients to social and other support services in the community.
  • Teach individuals and family members coping skills.
  • Support the application process for benefits.
  • Provide non-clinical crisis support after periods of hospitalization or incarceration.
  • Accompany individuals to court appearances and medical appointments.
  • Engage individuals with formal recovery support services.
  • Educate individuals and family members on various modes of recovery.
• A Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) will also assist individuals in recovery by:
  • Articulating personal goals for recovery using their recovery experience.
  • Assist individuals in recovery with creating Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) as needed, taking steps to achieve personal goals for recovery, finding self-help groups, establishing self-help groups, or finding other recovery-focused groups.
  • Use their recovery experience to refer individuals or their families to healthy leisure opportunities or community resources that may be helpful.
  • Use and teach problem solving techniques to individuals and groups; lead discussions on methods to overcome common problems in daily living.
  • Discuss methods on overcoming negative self-talk, identifying and overcoming fears, and identifying signs of a potential relapse.
  • Teach and role model the value of the individual recovery experience.
  • Teach and role model appropriate coping techniques.
  • Assist individuals in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy.
  • Reporting and record keeping.
  • Consultation with other professionals.
  • Non-Clinical crisis response.
• Recruiting or encouraging other Peer Specialists to pursue CRPA credential.
• Participate in program administrative and clinical committees as assigned.
• Represent agency to the community; promotes agency values within the community.
• Performs quality assurance activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Graduate or Equivalency required
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Certification required within six (6) months of hire and maintain CRPA certification throughout employment.
• One year of Health or Human Service experience preferred.

• An individual does not need to be in recovery themself but must be able to confer empathy through lived experiences such as family and/or close friends (each peer specialist self-defines his or her “peer-ness”).

• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License.

Our Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package Includes:    

• Health insurance including dental and vision for employees and families.
• Paid Vacation and Sick leave - No Waiting Period for accruals.
• Paid holidays, including a floating birthday holiday.
• 401(k) plan with up to 5% company match.
• Company paid short-term disability insurance.
• Company sponsored life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Helio Health provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), parental status, religion, national origin, citizenship, status as a victim of domestic violence, age, military or veteran status, handicap or disability, family medical history or predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, marital status, family status, political affiliation, felony conviction record, status as a victim of a crime, or status as an employee who has complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit, or any other categories, status or activity protected by federal, state or local law.

Salary and hourly compensation ranges are provided in accordance with NYS law and are based on Helio Health's good faith belief of what is accurate at the time of posting. Salary and hourly compensation offers are based on candidate's education level and experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager and program.