Recovery Coach - Rapid ACCESS

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. It´s a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all—and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet – an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Position: Recovery Coach

Department: Grayken Center

Schedule: Full time

The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center (BMC) is launching a new program to engage patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in evidence-based treatment for patients at high-risk of overdose and loss-to-follow up. The Recovery Coach role will function under the direction of the Program Peer Support Supervisor. Rapid ACCESS Recovery Coaches will work with patients in the early stages of treatment and recovery, including patients recently seen in the Emergency Department. Recovery Coaches will support patients in identifying and developing recovery plans, and helping the patient work with their strengths, supports and resources to achieve those goals. This position will work in communities with diverse populations with an emphasis on a harm reduction approach to substance use.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Must have knowledge of recovery support systems, including but not limited to, AA/NA/CA and SOAP supportive services; experience facilitating recovery groups; knowledge of trauma informed care; and positive beliefs and feelings regarding clients with varying levels of recovery. Duties include: identify patients who would benefit from ongoing engagement with addiction-treatment and to determine the best level of care; respond to new referrals within 10-15 minutes as required, document patient encounters and treatment plans in the electrical record; delegate and facilitate referrals for patients to treatment programs. This position consults and coordinates with other members of the Rapid ACCESS team including access coordinators, triage navigators, peer advocates, and other recovery coaches.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Is knowledgeable of links for clients to sources of sober housing, recovery-supportive employment, health and social services, and recovery support with a strong emphasis on a harm reduction model and medication treatment

• Collaborates with other programs at BMC providing acute care to patients with SUD to organize outpatient treatment, self-help services, and referrals to community based agencies

• Complete Individual Wellness Plans, treatment goals, and other necessary documentation with the patient to guide treatment

• Facilitate and co-facilitate skill-building support groups, and emphasize the importance of quality-of-life activities and community membership.

• Completes all necessary assessments and authorizations for patients being served

• Schedules and meets with patients at least weekly in multiple settings including at BMC, remotely, or in the community (in home, shelters, coffee shops, medical appointments, etc.)

• Maintains up-to-date resources for community self-help programs including SMART, NA, CA, AA and SOAP groups

• Help patients establish goals to aid in their recovery

• Commit to becoming an Agent of Change through presenting regular trainings and periodic in-service trainings for non-peer staff

• Seek Continuing Education in the Peer Support field to ensure that best practices are upheld and that emerging evidence is incorporated into the daily work

• Maintains an accurate, detailed, and timely record of patient information in the electronic medical records (within 24-48 hours).

• Maintains up-to-date resources for program bed placements, contacts and community programs collaboration.

• Acts as a program liaison for BMC Medical Teams, residential programs, outpatient clinics, and Community Partners

• Performs outreach work with clients; engages hard-to-reach individuals into recovery-related activities.

• Provides feedback to patients on their recovery progress. Identifies areas to the patients which have presented or may present roadblocks to continued recovery.

• Assists clients with identifying and resolving personal and environmental obstacles to recovery.

• Other duties assigned by Program Supervisor

Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

JOB DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS

EDUCATION:

Associate’s degree (or equivalent combination of formal education and experience in community health) plus a minimum of 2 years in healthcare / SUD treatment field is preferred.

BA/BS in Human Services (psychology, social work, public health, etc.) preferred but can substitute for three years relevant experience in working with patients with SUD

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Prior Completion of the Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) certification

MA Driver License preferred

CPR /First Aid preferred but will train

EXPERIENCE:

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

Experience with who are homelessness, SUD, or behavioral health needs preferred

Minimum of 1 years demonstrated experience and engaged in a recovery network

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

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

• Medical knowledge, assessment abilities, communication, and people skills

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans