Recovery Coach I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The recovery coach will be an integral member of the I-CARE lab (Infectious Complications Assessment and Research Lab) in the Infectious Diseases Section at Boston Medical Center. As part of the team, the recovery coach will be trained to deliver an intervention for a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve access to HIV prevention services for persons who use drugs. 

Working under the close direction of the Program Manager, the Recovery Coach will connect and engage individuals who inject opioids and individuals with substance use / opioid use disorder (OUD) services. Must have applicable knowledge of recovery support systems including but not limited to; medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), harm reduction practices, and supportive social services for persons who inject opioids. The successful applicant will be in long-term recovery, demonstrate knowledge of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing, and have positive beliefs and feelings regarding individuals who use or have used substances and all paths to recovery. As part of the position, the recovery coach will be trained to use an evidence based, manualized intervention to work with people who inject opioids. Personal experience and recovery from substance use disorder is vital in this role.

Position: Recovery Coach I

Department: Research Infectious Diseases

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Direct Care Work:

• Works with study staff and study participants to facilitate HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and MOUD initiation and adherence.

• Facilitates referrals for study participants to treatment programs, and assists participants and other team members in coordinating substance use treatment

• Works with participants to create a person-focused, solutions-based wellness plan, including achievable goals.

• Initiates telephone and face-to-face contact with study participants to explain the process of working with a recovery coach.

• Provides feedback to participants and identifies areas which have/may present roadblocks to PrEP initiation or adherence and/or continued recovery.

• Assists participants with identifying and resolving personal and environmental obstacles  to PrEP/MOUD adherence and/or recovery.

• Addresses barriers to successful recovery and serves as role model and advocate

Outreach:

• Establish relationships with organizations and programs to meet needs and become source agent for participants to connect with housing, recovery-conducive employment, health and social services, and recovery support with a strong emphasis on harm reduction model and medication management

Administrative Work:

• Keeps an accurate, detailed, and timely record of participant information in study-related records.

• Completes data entry as required by the project.

• Meets with study Program manager to review data completion and accuracy. Works with study Program manager to identify and address any gaps in data collection

• Works with study staff to perform case review, troubleshoot, and ensure accuracy of data captured.

• General administrative duties including keeping up with emails, making reminder phone calls to participants, maintaining contacts and study database.

Other:

• Must adhere to the BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

Job Requirements

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Prior completion of the Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) certification OR completion within 6 months of hire required.

• CPR /First Aid preferred but will train

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3-5 years (inclusive of Recovery Advocate work) demonstrated experience working with patients with SUD or mental health issues (will accept 2 years of experience with bachelor’s degree)

• Experience with Microsoft office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

• Experience with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, SUD, and/or behavioral health needs preferred

• Personal experience with substance use disorder and long-term recovery is required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Knowledge of substance use disorders and/or mental health and a harm reduction approach

• Must have applicable knowledge of recovery support systems including but not limited to; medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), harm reduction practices, and supportive social services for persons who inject opioids

• Demonstrable knowledge of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing  required

• Ability to deliver services with compassion and positivity to individuals who use or have used substances; and to support them on their indivdualized paths to recovery

• Familiarity with medical and research settings preferred

• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and leadership skills

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Strong advocacy skills along with knowledge of community-based services, resources, and local recovery community

• Comfort with all pathways to recovery from substance use, including medication supported recovery, and willingness to embrace a patient-centered approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy ("recovery by any means necessary")

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

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