Recovery Coach

The Recovery Coach (RC) is considered an essential, non-clinical member of the care team. The RC will provide peer recovery support services to patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and will assist patients in achieving and sustaining recovery as defined by each individual patient. This position of the Recovery Coach addresses SUD/AUD needs, through advocacy, peer support, collaboration with care teams, referrals for care and assistance accessing community support and networking. This position is located at the Internal Medical Associates (IMA), a primary care practice at Massachusetts General Hospital main campus. This is a full-time, in person position which requires being onsite at the medical practice.

The responsibilities included in this position are the following:

• Serves as a liaison between the recovery community, the addiction treatment system, the medical treatment system, and the patient's community, family, and social context to facilitate connections across systems of care
• Works collaboratively with treatment team in support of evidence-based services to patients with SUD
• Addresses barriers to successful recovery and serves as role model and advocate
• Conducts active outreach efforts to encourage attendance and participation in recovery-oriented, self-help, and pro-social groups
• Engage with patients identified with SUD referred through Internal Medicine Associates adult primary care practice
• Meet hospitalized patients with SUD prior to discharge and facilitate patient access to next stage of treatment
• Help patient navigate the healthcare system and social service system; accompany patients to appointments and meetings based on the wishes of the patient.
• Negotiate and create opportunities for access to treatment and social services with patient's participation; advocate on behalf of patients to help decrease barriers to care
• Educate patients about addiction safe use practices, multiple pathways of recovery and utilize motivational enhancement techniques to explore ambiguity and tip the scales towards healthy decision-making
• Offer peer coaching and support patients to identify and develop their own personal wellness goals and to achieve and maintain the highest level of health to include sustained long-term recovery
• Advocate and support the patient's voice during the care team's consideration and development of a comprehensive treatment plan
• Be available to provide support to patients in immediate risk of using substances or for other time-sensitive matters during regular business hours and to develop with the patient interwoven local, natural and clinical supports and resources outside of business hours.
• Be available and accessible to patients over time, regardless of where they are in their recovery, as well as if a patient returns to actively or periodically using substances. Clearly and effectively offer to facilitate communication between the patient, PCP, consulting psychiatrist, and any external providers maintaining appropriate confidentiality procedures and boundaries

What you will need:

High school diploma or GED required

Demonstrates ability to maintain 2 years of sustained and uninterrupted recovery at time of hire required; 3-5 years of sustained and uninterrupted recovery preferred.

Successful completion of a CCAR approved Recovery Coach Academy before hire, or the successful completion of a CCAR approved Recovery Coach Academy within 4 months of hire.

Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) certification required within first 18 months of employment or able to

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.