Recovery Counselor

Key Responsibilities

• Engage and support individuals receiving mental health and/or co-occurring disorder services using recovery-oriented, person-centered practices
• Afford individuals in directing their own recovery process through education, coaching, and skill development
• Assess individuals’ strengths, abilities, needs, and assets to support the development of individualized recovery plans
• Support individuals in identifying personal goals and interests using motivational interviewing techniques
• Provide individual and group coaching, counseling, mentoring, and skills training, including independent living skills (e.g., money management, hygiene, meal preparation, transportation use)
• Education individuals on evidence-based recovery practices, including Illness Management and Recovery, co-occurring disorders, supported employment, and family psychoeducation
• Education individuals on Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), relapse prevention, and coping strategies to reduce the need for restrictive services
• Provide education and linkage to self-help, mutual support, and peer-based recovery resources
• Collaborate with Certified Peer Specialists and multidisciplinary team members to promote peer support and recovery-oriented services
• Support community integration by assisting individuals in accessing educational, social, recreational, spiritual, and peer-based activities
• Provide off-site coaching and support during community appointments and activities as needed
• Afford individuals in accessing and maintaining stable housing and reasonable accommodations
• Engage families, friends, and significant others to strengthen healthy relationships and natural support networks
• Advocate on behalf of individuals to obtain and maintain housing, healthcare benefits, employment, and entitlements
• Identify barriers to recovery and develop strategies to overcome them
• Promote awareness of mental health, HIV, and co-occurring disorders while addressing stigma and misconceptions
• Participate actively in team meetings and contribute to collaborative care planning
• Maintain ongoing contact with individuals who are absent, disengaged, transitioning from services, or experiencing crisis situations
• Stay connected with program graduates and alumni to encourage mentoring and ongoing recovery
• Complete required trainings, participate in supervision, maintain timely and accurate documentation, and provide 24/7 on-call emergency beeper coverage on a rotating basis

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with 2-year experience in human services which 1 year of mental health direct care service.
• OR Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certificate and 1 additional year paid or volunteer work experience in mental health direct service.
• OR Associate’s or Bachelor's degree with 1-year of experience in mental health direct service.
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certificate is required.
• Lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges
• Experience working in mental health, substance use, or community-based programs
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care
• Prior experience in peer support, recovery services, or behavioral health
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with strong reading and writing skills, is preferred not required

About COMHAR

COMHAR is a nonprofit human-services organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives. Our mission is: “To provide health and human services that empower individuals, families and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives.” Serving the Philadelphia region since 1975, COMHAR provides a wide continuum of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, substance use, and social support services. With programs that include outpatient treatment, residential services, community-based recovery centers, supportive housing, and specialized services for children, families, and diverse populations, COMHAR delivers person-centered care rooted in dignity, respect, and community integration. Today, COMHAR’s team supports more than 5,500 people each month, helping individuals build stability, independence, and meaningful connections in their communities. COMHAR strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. COMHAR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace.