RECOVERY SPECIALIST

About the Role

The Recovery Specialist provides essential peer-based support and operational coordination for Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) individuals seeking to initiate, stabilize, and sustain long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorders (SUD). This position assists consumers in identifying recovery support services, developing personalized recovery plans, and navigating transitions across the continuum of care using culturally responsive, strengths-based, and evidence-informed approaches. The role bridges direct client support with programmatic operations by assisting program leadership with day-to-day coordination, maintaining data integrity within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and compiling necessary grant compliance reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of assigned responsibilities; assist the Project Director, Clinical Supervisor, or program leadership with operational support.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual programmatic reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure strict adherence to all grant data collection requirements.
• Enter accurate, timely data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and billing records in compliance with program, grant, behavioral health, and reimbursement requirements.
• Support consumers throughout the entire continuum of care, including screening, assessment, treatment engagement, residential treatment transitions, outpatient services, Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), and post-treatment follow-up.
• Collaborate with consumers, treatment counselors, SUD counselors, peer support staff, and clinical teams to develop individualized recovery support, aftercare, transition, and community reintegration plans.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer recovery support services, talking circles, culturally responsive activities, and recovery-focused groups under appropriate supervision.
• Carry a dedicated caseload of up to ten (10) consumers, providing mentoring, encouragement, and advocacy throughout the consumer's treatment journey while promoting hope and self-determination.
• Maintain active involvement with consumers during residential treatment by participating in peer activities, group collaborations, and cultural programming to ease transitions from the Recovery Home.
• Coordinate linkages to vital community resources, including housing, recovery housing, transportation, healthcare, employment resources, and culturally specific behavioral health care.
• Support increased access to Naloxone resources, MOUD education, and healthy community/family support networks to strengthen long-term recovery outcomes.
• Maintain strict consumer confidentiality in accordance with 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA regulations.
• Adhere to applicable residential program regulations, licensing requirements, and organizational policies.
• Attend mandatory position training regarding behavioral health risk factors as designated by the Project Director or Clinical Supervisor.
• Participate in all required staff meetings and perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required. An associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field is preferred and may substitute for a portion of the required work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clean, stable, and sustained personal recovery/sobriety from substance use disorder and/or personal experience successfully navigating co-occurring mental health challenges.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing direct behavioral health support, peer navigation, or culturally specific services, preferably working with the AN/AI population.
• Experience documenting inside an EHR or tracking grant metrics is highly desirable.
• Must hold an active Peer Support Certification through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC) or possess the documented hours/eligibility to obtain Alaska Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to pass a State of Alaska Background Check Review (BCU) and comply with all organizational health and safety clearances.

Skills

• Strong understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultures, traditional values, and lifestyles, with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native populations.
• Knowledge of how to best assist and de-escalate individuals who may become overwhelmed or unstable during intake, data collection, or service delivery.
• Ability to effectively leverage personal lived experience with addiction, homelessness, or mental health systems to motivate consumers while maintaining professional staff-client boundaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel with the ability to accurately format reports, manage spreadsheets, navigate EHR software, and interpret basic billing procedures.
• Strong skill in managing multiple priorities, case files, and administrative data deadlines concurrently.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative, respectful working relationships with clinical teams, community partners, and fellow staff.