Recovery Coach

The Recovery Coach (RC) is considered an essential, non-clinical member of the care team. This position will be based in the MGH Bridge Clinic, a transitional outpatient clinic that provides urgent access to treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and works to connect patients to long-term care in their community of choice. The Bridge Clinic is open 7 days per week, and this position requires some weekend coverage. The position also would require the recovery coach to engage with patients who identify as female interested in recovery coaching services that have been admitted to inpatient units.

The RC should understand harm reduction practices. The RC will provide peer recovery support services to patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and will assist patients in achieving sustained recovery as defined by each individual patient. This position will facilitate patient access to recovery-oriented systems of care, resources, and provide linkage to community support services. The RC will bridge the segregated treatment system into a more holistic care model by providing support across multiple systems and frameworks of care. This position will maintain ongoing patient support regardless of return to active substance use and will serve as a motivator, ally, role model, resource broker, and advocate for patients with SUD. The RC should possess a thorough understanding of community culture to address the barriers to successful recovery, use human experience language and be an advocate for social justice and equity within the treatment system.

This is a full-time in person position which requires being onsite at the MGH bridge clinic located on the main campus and will include some weekend hours. The responsibilities included in this position are the following:

• Engage with patients identified with SUD that access services at the MGH Bridge clinic
• Prioritize meeting with female patients on the inpatient units that are interested in coaching services
• 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 recovery-oriented 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
• Assists with access to treatment for SUD and co-occurring conditions, understanding, and using systems and procedures to rapidly support identified needs of the patient
• Meet with patients in clinical and community settings to understand their needs and personal goals, support the exploration of potential positive and negative consequences associated with personal goals and work collaboratively with the patient to remove obstacles that might interfere with goal attainment.
• Together with input from the patient, join with clinical staff, to facilitate referrals to appropriate disposition options.
• 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 safer 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 to patients in identifying and developing their own personal wellness goals towards achieving and sustaining long-term recovery
• Support the development of individualized wellness plans with each patient who wishes to do so
• 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 community supports and resources the patient can access outside of business hours
• Be available and accessible to patients over time, regardless of where they are in their recovery. Clearly and effectively offer to facilitate communication between the patient, PCP, and any external providers maintaining appropriate confidentiality procedures and boundaries
• Write brief non-clinical notes in the patient's medical record in support of effective and collaborative medical care and social services.
• When needed, review the progress and challenges of patients with a peer supervisor to understand the most effective ways to support and encourage patient success
• Assists with data collection for quality assurance and program evaluation

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
• Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) certification required within first 18 months of employment
• Strong advocacy skills along with knowledge of community-based services, resources, and local recovery community
• Demonstrated understanding of the multiple pathways approach to recovery from SUD and willingness to embrace a patient-centered, patient-driven approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy
• Demonstrated understanding of the efficacy of Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) as one of the multiple pathways to recovery
  
  
  
  • Excels at problem-solving and time management with the ability to multi-task. Is organized, efficient and process directed
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships to include effective boundaries with patients/families and staff
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
  
  
  
  
• Effective use of the Internet and Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Outlook
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply

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.