Certified Recovery Support Specialist

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital serving more than 33,000 patients annually from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit, community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe, and comfortable environment, empowering patients with knowledge and resources to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management.

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated Certified Recovery Support Specialist to join our Substance Use Disorder Services team. Reporting to the Manager of Substance Use Disorder Services, this role works alongside certified counselors and nurses to provide support and interventions for clients in need of treatment services. Responsibilities include monitoring patients throughout the facility, participating in educational groups, and following up on aftercare plans post-discharge.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate recovery education groups and document case management needs in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for each patient in attendance.
• Provide support services to patients/clients through appropriate rapport-building.
• Implement Contingency Management in accordance with project protocols.
• Use client-centered approaches to recovery planning, collaborating with patients/clients and counselors to help reach goals and ensure continued aftercare success.
• Meet with clients at least twice a week to ensure the continued appropriateness of the Recovery Plan.
• Link clients to recovery support services consistent with best practice standards and organizational policies.
• Accurately account for the whereabouts of each client by conducting rounding and documenting per unit guidelines.
• Educate patients on the recovery process, including recovery lifestyle, support groups, and support networks.
• Collaborate with clients to engage family members in recovery planning, where applicable.
• Make follow-up and aftercare calls related to recovery plans and document in the EMR.
• Provide support to individuals in treatment programs, including assisting with daily tasks while in treatment.
• Prepare materials such as brochures and pamphlets that explain addiction and recovery treatments to patients and their families.
• Help individuals set goals for their recovery programs, monitor progress, and identify obstacles that may impede progress.
• Coach individuals through their recovery process by helping them identify triggers for substance abuse and methods for coping with stress without turning to drugs or alcohol.
• Arrange for housing, recovery homes, transportation, and other necessities for patients in treatment.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times in recovery.
• Help patients schedule appointments with physicians, therapists, court, probation, parole offices, task workers, managed care insurance providers, and other outside resources.
• Build strong relationships with drug court, probation offices, parole offices, task workers, and managed care coordinators.
• Adhere to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards, including the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Stay abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and hospital regulations, laws, and policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) certification within 1 year of hire.
• Complete a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually to maintain certification.
• Must be willing to travel to other sites, court, probation offices, outreach assignments, etc.
• Valid driver’s license and full coverage automobile insurance.
• Able to work with diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.
• Comfortable working independently in community settings.
• Able to work flexible hours.
• Able to connect clients with various needs to a range of community resources.
• Strong documentation skills; extensive documentation of required activities and data entry is required.
• Good foundation in recovery skills and knowledge.
• Able to empathize with clients, focusing on and reinforcing positive strengths and behaviors.
• Valid CRSS License.

Preferred: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk, as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push, or move patients and/or equipment. Fine motor skills are required for handling, feeling, or reaching with hands and fingers. Normal or corrected vision, hearing, and speech are necessary, including close vision, sharp eye focus, and the ability to distinguish colors. The role may involve periods of stressful, intense concentration with above-average pressure in problem-solving situations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.
• Career development opportunities in a vibrant community of healthcare professionals.
• Work environment focused on patient-centered care and mission-driven service.