Prevention Point Philadelphia
Job Description
Job Title: Certified Recovery Specialist
Department: Homeless Services
Reports To: Director of Homeless Services / Housing Coordinator
Organizational Summary:
Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) is a multi-service public health organization dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of the homeless, drug users, sex workers, and the uninsured. Using a harm reduction approach, PPP offers culturally sensitive, non-judgmental services to address the health and social service needs of drug users and sex workers in Philadelphia. PPP meets people where they are, providing information and access to resources with dignity and respect. PPP promotes harm reduction through mobile medical care, sterile syringe exchange, referrals to social services, and comprehensive prevention case management services.
Position Overview:
The Certified Recovery Specialist assists housing case management and shelter staff in the operation of PPP’s housing services program, supporting residents of PPP’s emergency shelter, Beacon House. This role directly supports participants facing opiate use disorder and homelessness who are transitioning from medical facilities to PPP’s shelter and supports shelter residents with recovery and life skills. The certified recovery specialist will assist housing case management with participants residing at Beacon House to identify housing related goals as well as linkage to necessary medical care, drug treatment, and benefits. They also work seamlessly with shelter leadership and staff to support interested participants in their pursuit of recovery.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assessing participants interested in recovery and advocating for recovery and community resources with shelter participants.
- Assist in the development and enhancement of individualized recovery plans, recognizing the many pathways to recovery from a harm reduction perspective.
- Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups) that support the recovering participants goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the recovering person, agency staff and other relevant providers.
- Assist program leadership in the development and implementation of life skills programming with shelter participants.
- Assist case management in conducting brief assessments to identify participants’ needs, qualifications for housing placements and suitability for substance use treatment.
- Assist case management with the coordination of necessary medical care with other internal and external staff.
- Work with shelter staff to address participant issues in a timely manner. Meet with residents as needed to discuss safety planning, shelter expectations, and other concerns related to residency.
- Accompany participants on appointments for housing intake, unit viewings, lease signings, gathering of identification documents, and medical appointments across the City of Philadelphia. Navigate the use of public transit with participants in accompaniment to appointments.
- Work with participants in a non-traditional environment, whether it be streetside/outdoors, out in the community or in Beacon House.
- Actively participate in supervision, team, interdepartmental, and staff meetings.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding information received during the facilitation of recovery support services and maintain current understanding of federal, state, and local confidentiality rules and regulations.
- Work in a fast-paced environment and assist with additional operational tasks at the shelter as needed.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
*Please note that this job may require working staggered, non-traditional hours including evenings.*
Minimum Qualifications:
- The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) must have a valid CRS certification through the Pennsylvania certification board.
- Recovery Specialist must be in recovery with at least 2 years sustained, current recovery history.
- Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred.
- Valid Driver’s License preferred.
- At least two years’ experience with communities impacted by homelessness, poverty, substance use, and/or HIV/AIDS.
- Knowledge of Philadelphia behavioral health and drug treatment systems preferred.
- Commitment to a harm reduction philosophy including meeting people where they are and creating a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Skills Required:
- Skill in communicating effectively with a variety of people of different backgrounds.
- Strong computer and professional writing skills.
- Ability to use a harm reduction approach to housing and substance use.
- Dynamic, creative, flexible, able to learn and adapt in a changing environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to navigate public transportation and work outdoors.
Other Requirements:
- This position includes the normal physical demands of a community-based health program, including lifting/moving up to 25lbs, bending, and carrying. Other physical requirements include walking and standing for long periods and sitting for up to 30 minutes.
- This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act
______________________________________________________________________________
Please send a cover letter and resume to Dale@ppponline.org with Certified Recovery Specialist as the subject. No calls will be taken for this position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $38,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- On call
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Are you a Certified Recovery Specialist? If so, when will you be required to renew your certification?
- Please describe your knowledge and understanding of "Harm Reduction"?
- Do you have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Ability to Relocate:
- Philadelphia, PA 19125: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person