The Recovery Coach (RC) will provide peer recovery support services to patients with opioid use disorder as part of a NIH-funded research study. The research study is a pilot clinical trial to examine the feasibility of offering a remotely delivered online program ("SmartIOP") to patients who are hospitalized with serious injection-related infections. Each patient enrolled will work with the Recovery Coach in the study for about 2 months. Up to 20 individuals will be assigned to work with the Recovery Coach for the purposes of the study, which is expected to last up to 2 years.
This RC will provide weekly support sessions to study participants, maintain a fidelity log as required, and complete any other tasks as requested by the study principal investigator (PI) and research staff. The RC should exhibit competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills, possess thorough understanding of community culture to address the barriers to successful recovery, have the basic competence and skillset to perform in-person or remote encounters with participants, and assist in providing links to community resources and treatment options. The RC will perform a wide range of tasks to help the complete the study, and may be asked to participate in additional studies by the PI.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Be trained in delivering the Recovery Coach intervention and adhering to the study protocol.
Provide Recovery Coach support to each individual assigned in the trial.
Engage patients in utilizing the SmartIOP program as outlined in the study protocol.
Assist patients in troubleshooting any issues as it relates to completing the video modules of SmartIOP and using the tablet or smartphone device
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 addiction consultation team, addiction social worker, and the hospital medical teams in support of evidence-based services to patients with SUD
Works with patients and their providers to assess readiness for behavioral change, level of intervention needed, and engages patients in development of collaborative treatment plans to achieve goals of risk reduction and/or abstinence.
Help patient navigate the healthcare system and social service system
Negotiate and create opportunities for access to treatment and social services for patients
Advocate on behalf of patients to help decrease barriers to care
Be available to provide support to patients in immediate risk of relapse or for other time-sensitive matters during regular business hours
Clearly and effectively facilitate communication between the patient, clinical supervisor, and any external providers maintaining appropriate confidentiality procedures and boundaries
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and fidelity data on all patients.
Systematically review the caseload with the supervisor each week, focusing on new patients and patients who are having difficulties
In the course of the trial, the principal investigator may request additional tasks to be completed to ensure the successful completion of the study.
The position will be based primarily at the Brigham & Women's Hospital Main Campus with some travel required. These locations are clinical settings taking care of patients.
Qualifications
Skills / Abilities / Competencies Required:
High school diploma preferred
Demonstrates effective use of skills necessary to maintain long term recovery of 2 or more years
Ability and desire to work with patients utilizing a broad range of treatment modalities such as medication-assisted treatment, 12-step, and harm reduction approaches.
Completion of Recovery Coach Academy preferred at hire, or completion within 4 months of hire
Certified Addictions Recovery Coach "CARC" preferred within first 12 months of employment
Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and leadership skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and research staff
Strong advocacy skills along with knowledge of community based services, resources, and local recovery community
Comfort with multiple pathways of recovery from SUD and willingness to embrace a patient-centered approach that recognizes an individual's preferences and autonomy
Comfort in working in both medical and social service settings
Skills in motivational enhancement strategies
Ability to provide accurate feedback without judgment or discomfort
Preferred: Completion of Recovery Coach Academy preferred at hire
EEO Statement
BWH 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.
