Peer Recovery Advocate (NY HELPS)

Microsoft Word - 4705
PEER RECOVERY ADVOCATE
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position within the Sheriff's
Department works with the High-Risk Mitigation Team (HRMT) to identify and provide peer
support and engagement services for persistent high-risk opioid/substance users. Through
sharing personal experiences, the incumbent will serve as a mentor, advocate and motivator to
recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The
work is carried out under the general supervision of the Opioid Use Disorder Systems Specialist
with some leeway allowed in the conduct of the work. Supervision is not normally a function of
this class. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: The typical work activities listed below, while providing
representative examples of the variety of work assignments in the title do not describe any
individual position. Incumbents in this title may perform some or all of the following, as well as
other related activities not described.
Works with the HRMT to identify program-eligible individuals based on high-risk criteria such
as: overdoses, ER visits or inpatient utilization for Opioid Use Disorder, incarceration or release
from jail, etc.;
Assists clients seeking (or new to) recovery find a wide variety of services and support including
harm reduction, detox, treatment, family support and education, local or online support groups;
Educates clients about different health, human and social service resources in the community;
Helps clients to create overdose safety and recovery plans;
Helps to initiate and sustain an individual/family in their recovery from substance use disorder
or addiction by providing ongoing support and connection;
Provides support to clients as they engage or re-engage with treatment providers;
Provides hands-on help developing and maintaining contact with other providers;
Serves as a role model to people seeking recovery by demonstrating that recovery is possible;
Maintains regular, ongoing contact with all clients, following each individual through to their
recovery;
Participates in team meetings with the rest of the High-Risk Mitigation Team.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of the role of Peer Services in the recovery process;
working knowledge of the various agencies providing intervention and therapeutic services to
opioid/substance abusers; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with professional
colleagues and other professional groups; ability to establish a rapport with substance abuse
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clients, educators, mental health professionals, criminal justice officials and the general public;
ability to serve as a positive role model and motivate clients; ability to understand and carry
out oral and written instructions; ability to maintain confidentiality; good judgement in dealing
with people; tact.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Possession of an Associate's Degree in Human Services, Substance Use Counseling,
Sociology, Psychology, or closely related field and possession of a Certified Recovery Peer
Advocate-Provisional certification (CRPA-P); OR
B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and
possession of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional certification (CRPA-P) and two
(2) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent work experience in substance abuse, human
services, case management or community-based prevention work in a recognized agency
adhering to acceptable standards.
Note: Your degree or college credits must have been awarded or earned by a college or
university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting
agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was
awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must
provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this
service can be found on the Internet at You must
pay the required evaluation fee.
Special Requirement: Certification as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Counselor and/or certification as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), as recognized by
the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) must be
obtained within one (1) year from date of appointment. The incumbent must maintain said
certification throughout employment.
ULSTER COUNTY Adopted: December 8, 2020
4705 PEER ADV Revised: December 1, 2023
Classification: Competitive
4706 PR AD HLP
Classification: Non-Competitive
Union: UCSEA