Recovery Coach I, Infectious Diseases Research

Position: Recovery Coach, Infectious Diseases Research (I-CARE Lab)

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week, On-site

ABOUT BMC:

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), our diverse staff works together for one goal — to provide exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. Our bold vision to transform health care is powered by our respect for our patients and our commitment to ensure everyone who comes through our doors has a positive experience.

You’ll find a supportive work environment at BMC, with rich opportunities throughout your career for training, development, and growth and where you’ll have the tools you need to take charge of your own practice environment.

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.

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 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. 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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Care Work:

• Works with study staff and 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

• Initiates telephone and face-to-face contact with study participants to explain the process of working with a recovery coach and works with participants to create a person-focused, solutions-based wellness plan, including achievable goals.

• 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.

(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 is required at time of hire, or within 4-6 months of hire

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 AND SKILLS:

• 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 and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base.
• Pioneering Research: Engage in groundbreaking research projects that are driving the forefront of biomedical science.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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