Job Title: Certified Recovery Peer Advocate / CRPA
Part-Time(22hrs)
Position Summary
The Certified Recovery Peer Advocate / CRPA provides non-clinical, person-centered recovery support services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. The CRPA uses lived recovery experience, professional training, and peer support skills to engage participants, promote hope, support recovery goals, reduce barriers to treatment, and connect individuals to community-based recovery resources. The CRPA works as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team while maintaining appropriate peer boundaries, confidentiality, cultural humility, and ethical standards.
Key Responsibilities
The Part-Time CRPA will:
· Provide individual and group peer recovery support services to participants in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders.
· Use lived experience appropriately to promote hope, engagement, self-advocacy, and recovery-oriented decision-making.
· Assist participants in identifying recovery goals, strengths, natural supports, and community resources.
· Support participants with treatment engagement, appointment attendance, retention in care, and re-engagement after missed visits.
· Help participants develop wellness and recovery plans, relapse prevention strategies, coping skills, and life skills.
· Provide outreach, warm handoffs, and linkage to recovery supports, mutual aid groups, harm reduction services, housing resources, benefits, employment supports, medical care, and other community services.
· Support participants transitioning from inpatient, detox, residential, criminal justice, hospital, emergency department, or community settings into outpatient care.
· Participate in case conferences, team meetings, supervision, and care coordination activities as appropriate.
· Document peer services accurately, timely, and in accordance with agency policy, OASAS standards, Medicaid requirements, and program procedures.
· Maintain professional boundaries and practice within the non-clinical peer role.
· Protect participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, agency policy, and applicable state and federal requirements.
· Promote a welcoming, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, harm-reduction-oriented, and recovery-focused environment.
· Participate in required trainings, supervision, quality improvement activities, and agency meetings.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
· Current Certified Recovery Peer Advocate / CRPA credential in New York State, or CRPA-Provisional with the ability to obtain full certification within an agency-approved timeframe.
· High school diploma, high school equivalency diploma, or higher.
· Personal lived experience with substance use recovery and the ability to use that experience appropriately in a professional peer support role.
· Knowledge of recovery principles, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered services, and community-based supports.
· Strong interpersonal, communication, advocacy, and documentation skills.
· Ability to work collaboratively with clinicians, medical staff, case managers, administrative staff, participants, families, and community partners.
· Commitment to serving individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, and recovery pathway backgrounds.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
· Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic health record systems.
· Ability to work a flexible part-time schedule, including some evenings or weekends if needed.
Preferred:
· Experience working in an OASAS-licensed treatment program, outpatient substance use disorder program, recovery center, harm reduction program, shelter, hospital, reentry program, or other community-based setting.
· Familiarity with NY OASAS regulations, Part 822 outpatient services, Medicaid documentation, and community recovery resources.
· Bilingual ability, especially in [insert language], strongly preferred.
· Valid New York State driver’s license and access to reliable transportation, if community outreach or travel is required.
Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
· Recovery-oriented and strengths-based practice.
· Respect for multiple pathways of recovery, including medication-supported recovery.
· Strong boundaries and understanding of the peer role.
· Cultural humility and sensitivity to stigma, trauma, poverty, racism, and systemic barriers.
· Reliability, professionalism, and teamwork.
· Ability to engage individuals who may be ambivalent about treatment or recovery.
· Sound judgment and ability to seek supervision when needed.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
· Ability to work in an office-based outpatient treatment setting and, as needed, community-based locations.
· Ability to sit, stand, walk, use a computer, and communicate in person, by phone, and electronically.
· Some local travel may be required depending on program needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Tempo Group Counseling Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience, people in recovery, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of historically marginalized communities.
Benefits:
generous Vacation/ PTO allotment
access to group dental, vision and legal plans
403BJob Overview
Join our dedicated team as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), where your lived experience and passion for recovery will empower individuals navigating behavioral health challenges. In this vital role, you will serve as a compassionate mentor, advocate, and supporter, helping clients achieve stability and wellness through peer-driven guidance. Your energetic approach will foster hope, resilience, and positive change in the lives of those seeking recovery. This paid position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working within a dynamic, supportive environment committed to mental health and addiction recovery.
Responsibilities
- Provide peer support by sharing personal recovery experiences to inspire hope and motivate clients toward their goals
- Conduct crisis intervention and crisis management to de-escalate situations and ensure safety for clients and staff
- Assist clients in developing individualized recovery plans aligned with their needs and aspirations
- Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to encourage behavioral change and reinforce positive decision-making
- Collaborate with clinical teams, social workers, and other professionals to coordinate care and support services
- Document client interactions accurately using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems while maintaining confidentiality
- Mentor clients through behavioral health challenges, offering guidance on addiction counseling, mental health strategies, and social skills
Requirements
- Valid certification as a Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or equivalent credential demonstrating lived experience with behavioral health or addiction recovery
- Strong knowledge of crisis intervention, crisis management, and behavioral health principles
- Experience in mental health counseling, addiction counseling, or social work preferred
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to motivate and empower others through motivational interviewing techniques
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in fast-paced environments
- Familiarity with EHR systems for documentation and record keeping
- Passion for supporting individuals on their recovery journey with a positive, energetic attitude
Join us in transforming lives through peer support! Your dedication can spark hope and foster resilience in those seeking recovery. We are committed to providing a paid opportunity that values your experience, skills, and compassion as we work together toward healthier futures.
Pay: $22,500.00 - $25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
