UPMC Health Plan is hiring a Community Health Recovery Specialist (CHRS)to support the Community Services team. This role will work Monday - Friday standard daylight hours with travel throughout Allegheny and surrounding counties to meet with members. When not engaged in community activities, this position will operate in a hybrid model, balancing remote and office work based on team requirements.

The Community Health Recovery Specialist (CHRS) will work directly with individuals receiving services, family members, providers, and other stakeholders. This position requires a close understanding of the community served, enabling the CHRS to act as a liaison between health/social services and the community. The role involves assisting people with a history of substance use and behavioral health conditions by drawing on personal experiences and other resources. The CHRS will provide in-person care coordination, outreach, community education, social supports, and advocacy to improve access to services and enhance the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct one-on-one coaching sessions and lead support groups.

• Meet with behavioral health professionals treatment plans.

• Provide coaching and emotional support for members, individually and during support group sessions.

• Connect members with resources related to housing, employment, and additional treatment.

• Help members manage appointments with behavioral health professionals.

• Report concerns about health and safety to other members of the care team.

• Keep accurate records of client encounters and write recovery reviews to update client files.

• Maintain client confidentiality. Represent the organization to the general public, individuals in recovery, family members, and stakeholder groups. Promote principles of recovery with members, providers, and stakeholders.

• Collaborate with care management staff for interventions. Assist in scheduling appointments as needed. Advocate for the members' community needs, medical and behavioral health needs. Assist members with specific non-medical needs that affect health and access to care.

• Utilize motivational interviewing to identify the member's strengths, needs, motivation, triggers, and goals

• Bridge the gap between physical health care and behavioral health treatment.

• Connect members to community-based treatment and recovery supports.

• Work in the community setting at least 80% of the time, having direct contact with members, support teams, treatment providers, and recovery supports.

• Provide telephonic assistance to members and family members concerning recovery tools and resources.

• Empower members to self-advocate and follow through with treatment.

• Travel throughout the region as needed.

• Support the Community Health Worker team with additional responsibilities as needed

• Proof of high school graduation or GED.

• Certified Recovery Specialist certification

• 1 year of experience in customer service, clinical, social service, or case management in the community.

• Driver's license and reliable means of transportation highly preferred.

• Personal or family experience in the health care system preferred.

• Knowledge of basic behavioral health systems and co-occurring substance use issues required

• Community Health Worker certification within 2 years of employment

• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with members and members of the treatment team.

• Observational skills to interpret demeanor and spot signs of distress or crisis.

• Active listening skills to engage in productive conversations and lead effective group sessions.

• Organizational skills to maintain complete, accurate records for multiple members.

• Problem-solving skills to help members overcome obstacles to their continued recovery.

• Writing skills to produce clear, concise recovery reports.

• Computer skills to utilize email, word processing, and records-management software.

• Basic understanding of best practices for substance use and mental health counseling.

• Knowledge of key concepts and principles (recovery, resiliency, and wellness).

• Ability to utilize motivational interviewing. Ability to model and share recovery principles: Hope, Personal Responsibility, Empowerment Skills, Self-Advocacy, Educational Opportunities, and use of Community supports.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Willingness to travel throughout the service area.

• Solid organization skills and ability to set priorities and schedule time efficiently.

• Self-directed and flexible to meet the needs of members.

• Value for and ability to deliver excellent customer service. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran