PARC Guides Peers on New Career Path
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the future for peer recovery is bright. Enjoying strong job stability, professionals in peer-based recovery are seeing a steady rise in career options. In fact, the BLS projects a job growth rate of 22% from 2018-2028.
Peer recovery is a relatively new field in the BLS directory. Throughout the U.S., addiction treatment programs have been adding peers to their teams. They have become integral to the client’s recovery during and after treatment.
Peer professionals are in recovery, have completed treatment for addiction, or have had experience with a loved one struggling with substance use disorder. No matter the origin of their experience, peers are a reliable source of support and guidance for individuals in recovery.
Increased federal and state funding has helped fuel the growing number of job openings and professional development opportunities. In the first quarter of this year, PARC has received $400,000 (over two years) in public funds to provide on-the-job training for certified peer professionals.
Commitment to Peer Development
Samaritan Daytop Village first began employing peers (“Veteran Navigators”) in 2014 for one of its Veterans Programs. Those peers had a high success rate engaging with unhoused veterans who may be struggling with addiction. The agency began adding peers to its residential programs. In 2016, the Recovery Services Division was launched. The agency has remained committed to shaping and growing a high-quality, professionally trained, and certified peer workforce.
Our two PARC (Peer Alliance Recovery Centers) in Queens and the Bronx are staffed by certified peer professionals who work on-site and in the community. In addition to providing one-on-one guidance and resources, PARC’s team also leads recovery-focused workshops, engages participants in pro-social outings and activities, offers peer certification trainings, and conducts harm reduction outreach.
From Client to Intern to Employee
When it comes to finding new peers for the agency, the agency has the inside advantage. Most recruits have come from the nonprofit's treatment programs.
Jessica Feliciano, Senior Director of Recovery Services, says that about 90% of the employees at PARC (Peer Alliance Recovery Center) have completed treatment at the agency, finished PARC’s online certification training courses, and interned on-site.
During treatment, clients often express a desire to “give back” and help others attain and sustain recovery from substance use disorder. Their motivation is to provide the same support that other peers have offered and inspired them.
The high number of peers plucked from the agency’s treatment programs is a testament to the strong relationship between PARC and Samaritan Daytop Village's team of Vocational and Job Training Specialists.
Led by Director of Education, Employment and Career Services Dina Pizzingrillo, Vocational Development Specialists work directly with clients during the Reintegration stage of their treatment. Finding their strengths and career goals, they help clients discover employment prospects and job training opportunities best suited for their skill levels and long-term goals. When a client expresses an interest in working as a peer, the Vocational team refers the client to PARC.
Clients are enrolled in PARC’s peer certification trainings. The Recovery Coach and Certified Peer Recovery Advocate courses are led by certified trainers and are accredited by the New York Certification Board at the InUnity Alliance (ASAP-NYCB).
Once they have completed treatment and the courses, individuals can start their journey as Recovery Coach Interns at one of the PARC sites in Queens or the Bronx.
Thanks to funding from the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund, our internships are now paid an hourly wage. Selected candidates work for six months, receiving weekly reviews to support their professional development goals.
To learn more about career opportunities for peer professionals, contact our Talent Acquisition team or call PARC (929-244-1500 or 929-244-1445) for info on internships or CARC or CRPA certification trainings.