Recovery Support Specialist

About the Role:

The Recovery Support Specialist plays a critical role in assisting individuals on their journey to sustained recovery from substance use disorders and related challenges. This position focuses on providing empathetic, non-clinical support, guidance, and resources to help clients build resilience and maintain long-term recovery goals. The specialist collaborates closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and families to create a supportive network that fosters personal growth and wellness. By empowering clients through education, advocacy, and connection to services, the Recovery Support Specialist helps reduce relapse rates and promotes healthier lifestyles. Ultimately, this role contributes to improving the overall quality of life for individuals and their communities by supporting recovery and reintegration efforts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Personal experience with recovery from substance use disorder or related behavioral health challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical behavior.
• Basic computer literacy for documentation and communication purposes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist or equivalent credential.
• Experience working in behavioral health, social services, or community outreach.
• Knowledge of local recovery resources and healthcare systems.
• Training in motivational interviewing or trauma-informed care.
• Bilingual abilities to serve diverse populations.

Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one peer support and mentorship to individuals in recovery, sharing lived experience and practical strategies.
• Assist clients in developing personalized recovery plans and setting achievable goals.
• Connect clients with community resources such as housing, employment, healthcare, and counseling services.
• Facilitate support groups and recovery-oriented activities to foster peer engagement and social support.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions and progress in compliance with organizational policies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and ensure continuity of support.
• Advocate for clients’ needs within healthcare and social service systems to remove barriers to recovery.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with best practices in recovery support.

Skills:

The Recovery Support Specialist utilizes strong communication and active listening skills daily to build trust and rapport with clients, enabling effective support and guidance. Problem-solving and advocacy skills are essential for helping clients navigate complex social and healthcare systems to access necessary resources. Organizational skills are applied to maintain detailed and confidential records of client progress and interactions, ensuring continuity of care. Empathy and cultural competence are critical in addressing the unique needs of diverse individuals and fostering an inclusive recovery environment. Additionally, collaboration and teamwork skills are used regularly to coordinate with healthcare providers and community partners, enhancing the overall support network for clients.