Coordinator I, Recovery Specialist

City of Boston Residency Required

Job Description

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC envisions a thriving Boston where all residents live healthy, fulfilling lives free of racism, poverty, violence, and other systems of oppression. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of antiracism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

The Recovery Specialist /Coordinator (RSC) for AHOPE will assist with harm reduction counseling, HIV /HCV /STI testing, and health navigation at AHO PE and through all satellite/mobile outreach sites. The RSC will provide referrals for medical and behavioral health services, including all modalities of substance use treatment. Under the direction of AHOPE leadership, the RSC will provide engagement and risk reduction services using a 'non-judgmental, non-coercive approach' for people who use drugs.

DUTIES

• Coordinates, monitors, develops, and implements Recovery Specialist programming at AHOPE. Coordinates and monitors program activities to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards and/or contracted goals & objectives.
• Provides peer recovery support services to participants with substance use disorder (SUD) to achieve sustained recovery. Follow and meet with participants through the continuum when indicated.
• Works collaboratively with members of AHOPE team and promotes the shared philosophy about respective, comprehensive, and coordinated delivery of referral services.
• Facilitates participant access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community education groups around overdose prevention, safer sex, and safer drug use.
• Works with Bureau staff on determining the appropriate level of care, community resources, and placement opportunities.
• Monitors participant progress in treatment and advocates for services. Assists participants in navigating the healthcare system and social service systems. Accompanies participants to appointments and court. Provides transportation as needed.
• Provides support in treatment programs and emergency department settings as needed.
• Works with treatment providers, hospital, and BEST team staff as needed.
• Facilitates communication between participants and treatment providers and physicians.
• Provides support and referrals to families and friends supporting participants through the recovery process.
• Provides overdose prevention training and safety planning as needed.
• Assists with participant intake procedures.
• Monitors completion of participant's intake, psychosocial assessments, and treatment plans. Reviews and analyzes information and data concerning the BPHC program, to determine effectiveness; makes recommendations for changes in procedures; provides technical assistance and advice to program staff; responds to inquiries and maintains liaison with various external agencies to provide information concerning the program.
• Collaborates with various private, state, local and federal partners to exchange information and/or resolve problems. Attend meetings as assigned. Serve as a critical team member on a multi­disciplinary team of providers serving people who use drugs (PWUDs) throughout the city.
• Represents BPHC in the community.
• Coordinates activities which may include fiscal monitoring; grant writing; monitoring of funded programs or agencies to ensure compliance; report preparation and writing; and assisting with developing and distributing communications, brochures, and educational materials. May supervise employees. Complete documentation and intake procedures as appropriate. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS required OR 3 years of equivalent experience in public health program coordination, management, and/or community organizing may be substituted for an undergraduate degree. Licenses, certifications, or program-specific experience may be required by grant or program needs.
• Demonstrated experience or related requirements as established by the program may be needed.
• Experience collaborating with participants and/or providers serving a variety of populations, including residents with co-occurring mental health and addiction treatment needs.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate records. Ability to write clearly and concisely. Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of program activities. Ability to establish rapport with others and to maintain harmonious working relationships with others required.
• Demonstrated knowledge & experience with MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, Windows, and/or other software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of existing community resources and services in addiction treatment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective communications and working relationships with community agencies and providers. Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate health programs or services for the community.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to develop timelines and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively. Bilingual and/or bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply.
• Be trained or willing to be trained in phlebotomy within 90 days of hire.

Additional Information

City of Boston Residency Required. A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for., This position requires direct client/patient contact and as a result of such direct contact, certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties., Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification, The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply, The advertised shift and schedule are subject to change at the departments discretion.

Union Status

Union

Job Grade

12

Pay Range

$883.56 to $1,055.94 weekly

Standard Hours

Shift

35 hours per week.

Monday to Friday 7 AM to 3 PM (Shift and schedule subject to change)