Public Health Advocate II - Outreach

In addition to all duties in Public Health Advocate I, Public Health Advocate II will perform these duties:

• Will provide peer recovery support services to Engagement Center clients with substance use disorder (SUD) and to achieve sustained recovery.
• Facilitate client access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community recovery groups.
• Work with PAATHS staff on determining appropriate level of care, community resources, and placement opportunities.
• Develop ongoing relapse prevention plan for clients.
• Monitor client progress in treatment and advocate for services. Assist client in navigating the healthcare system and social service systems. Accompany clients to appointment and court. Provide transportation as needed.
• Provide support in acute care and emergency department settings as needed. Work with hospital and BEST team staff as needed.
• Facilitate communication between client and treatment providers and physicians.
• Provide support and referrals to families and friends supporting client through recovery process.
• Provide overdose prevention training and safety planning as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Engagement Center and/or PAATHS records.
• Attend clinical and programmatic supervision with Engagement Center and/or PAATHS team.
• Maintains security of all physical areas of the program site.
• Manages and exercises sound judgement in conflict situations.
• Identifies and intervenes in actual and potential conflict situations using a trauma informed perspective to minimize disruption.
• Performs other duties as required.

This job description is based on the Public Health Advocate Series. May be required to perform any and all duties and responsibilities of a Public Health Advocate II, as set forth in the BPHC.

• AD or BA/BS required, or equivalent experience may substitute. High school diploma required. Recovery coach certification preferred.

SKILLS

• 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 multiple pathways to recovery and willingness to embrace a client centered approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy.
• Comfort in working in both medical and social service settings.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients/families, treatment programs, and team members.
• Effective use of the Internet and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Knowledge of public health, and of epidemiological, outreach and educational models related to HIV/AIDS.
• Understanding and appreciation of HIV/AIDS programs and services in the context of the community.
• Knowledge in the area of substance abuse and previous experience working with women and IDU's.
• Previous experience in the oversight of coordination of projects and/or client services.
• Minimum 2 years in community outreach/case management activities required.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups.
• Knowledge of Boston community social service organizations, the courts and government agencies required.
• PC skills preferred. Ability to work independently. Good presentation, organizational and interpersonal skills required; must be self-directed.
• Good communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual preferable, bicultural desirable.
• Must hold a valid Massachusetts Driver's License with safe driving record (copy of driving record will be required.)