Position: Peer Advocate, Chance for Change - SIGNING BONUS

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Director

Work location/Schedule: Upper East Side - Onsite

ABOUT US:

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) helps New Yorkers who have a history of homelessness, often compounded by mental illness or substance use, to achieve their highest level of independence. We were established in 1982 by faith and community leaders on Manhattan’s Upper East Side who believed that homelessness is the responsibility of the entire community. More than 40 years later, we are still guided by the principle that neighbors should help neighbors.

Today, NCS offers an array of groundbreaking housing and supportive services, including counseling, substance use treatment, vocational and educational programs, and employment support, and we are poised for further growth.

NCS provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Chance for Change, a small non-profit OASAS (part 822) licensed outpatient treatment program, who prides itself on providing treatment services for individuals experiencing homelessness, living in transitional housing settings, supportive housing settings or residing in emergency shelters. Our clinic and "harm reduction" model use a client centered approach to connect with individuals to address their substance use disorders. We work through a collaborative, respectful and empathic environment. Individual and group therapy sessions focus not only on substance use reduction or sobriety but also on assisting and supporting our clients manage other life areas such as mental illness, chronic medical conditions, homelessness, unemployment and other life stressors.

REPORTS TO: Director of Outpatient Services, Chance for Change

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Peer Advocate/Recovery coach is responsible for providing individual recovery planning based on peer recovery services assessments with all clients and prospective clients applying for or considering services at Chance for Change. Working closely with counselors, and the director to construct recovery plans and activities outside the scope of the treatment plan/schedule. The Peer advocate will engage clients and potential clients in discussions of recovery options available, and inspire, encourage, and support client’s treatment and recovery needs. The Advocate is a part time, non-exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide individual recovery assessment and establish recovery plans and goals.

• Advocate, support and assist clients in establishing recovery related activities in the community, including housing, employment, self-help, and as well as essential needs such as food, clothing, and shelter

• Escort and assist clients in getting to and utilizing appointments for benefits, medical care and community-based self-help programs

• Document all sessions and meetings, including meetings in the community, in a client’s clinical record, including assessments, recovery plans and peer recovery individual and group session notes

• Provide presentations and motivational groups to community-based referral sources including staff and residents of those organizations

• Operate as a liaison with all referral agencies

• Establish community and agency affiliations which address clients’ needs and strengthen the delivery of services

• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and case conferences

• Attend all required in-service training seminars

• Other relevant duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or CRPA-Provisional (CRPA-P) required

• High School Diploma/GED

• Experience in a mental health or substance use disorder treatment setting preferred

• Proficiency with computer operation (Microsoft Word, Excel, AWARDS, and Outlook programs), with good written and verbal skills

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule

Additional requirements:

NCS is committed to maintaining a safe and secure workplace for our employees and clients. Please be advised that regulatory agencies mandate all potential employees

• Successfully complete a background screening process that includes fingerprinting prior to employment. A section of the background screen requires address history for the last 28 years.

• Are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are selected for the position, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required as part of the onboarding process.

Pay Rate: $18 -$20/Hour

Final salary will be determined based on various factors which may include internal equity, work experience, skills, knowledge, and/or education and/or certifications.

BENEFITS:

NCS offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, sick days, paid holidays, 403 (b) retirement plan, disability, life insurance, and more.

HOW TO APPLY:

Thank you in advance for taking a look at the list of responsibilities and qualifications. We look forward to reviewing your material. As expressed interest in the role, please submit a cover letter and a resume to search@ncsinc.org

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities—including women, LGBTQ+, and people of color—are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NCS is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging—so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly fit every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

NCS is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. NCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.