Recovery Support Specialist (32 Hour) Office/On-Site #260805-5729HN-001

Join our dedicated team as a Recovery Support Specialist with the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). DMHAS is moving toward requiring the Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential. Learn more about the CPSRP Credential.

About the Role

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, this role is accountable for using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate, and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.

Facility and Schedule

Facility: Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS)
Address: 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Unit: Rehabilitation Services
Schedule: Part-Time, 32 Hours per Week, First Shift, Monday through Thursday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page for more information.

About Us

DMHAS is a healthcare agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

SWCMHS strives to provide high-quality, compassionate, and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to adults with behavioral health disorders who are indigent. With three locations throughout Fairfield County, SWCMHS promotes and administers comprehensive recovery-oriented services in mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs, outpatient clinical services, and a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.

A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug-Free Workplace.

Responsibilities

• Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plan using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools.
• Supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in their recovery plan (e.g., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement, and the use of natural supports).
• Guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights.
• Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals.
• Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration.
• Provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families.
• Acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have, or are at risk for, co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities.
• Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness.
• Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs.
• Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress.
• Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity.
• Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities.
• Organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness, including New Employee Orientation at the local level.
• Observes and reports clients’ behavior.
• Prepares and submits incident or other related forms.
• Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required.
• Enters computerized data as required.
• May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication.
• May provide outreach and transportation.

Inpatient Settings: In addition to the duties listed above, responsibilities include demonstrating and coaching the client through the development of coping and community adjustment skills and linking the client with important community resources, such as:

• Accompanies clients off the unit and onto the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation.
• Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community.
• May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population.

Requirements

• Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field.
• Six (6) months of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of community support systems and resources; person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, and other recovery management techniques.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation.
• Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to observe and redirect client behavior; utilize computer software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Experience using shared life experience to engage and motivate clients.
• Experience working in the community to assist clients with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Experience facilitating peer-led groups.
• Experience utilizing the Intentional Peer Support Model.
• Experience with trauma-informed care.
• Experience utilizing recovery-based language.

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
• Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.