Recovery Support Specialist

About the role

The Recovery Support Specialist plays an essential role in supporting clients throughout the entire treatment experience—from admission to discharge. RSS team members help maintain a safe, structured, and recovery-oriented environment by assisting clients with daily routines, supporting treatment goals, monitoring safety, and providing compassionate engagement rooted in trauma-informed care. This position ensures that program expectations are upheld, collaborates with clinical and medical staff, and provides hands-on support to clients experiencing substance use, co-occurring disorders, crisis moments, and early recovery challenges.

Responsibilities

• Client Support & Engagement
• Assist clients with daily living activities, recreation, community meetings, and scheduled appointments.
• Provide full orientation to all new clients within 48 hours, including rules, expectations, schedules, and facility layout.
• Review and support client participation in recovery activities; communicate observations to appropriate staff.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational, recovery, or skills-based groups under supervision.
• Absorb and support clients experiencing emotional, social, or health-related crises and escalate appropriately.
• Support client vocational, recovery, and post-discharge goals as directed.
• Safety Monitoring & Compliance
• Monitor clients to ensure safety, adherence to program expectations, and policy compliance.
• Conduct vital signs, urine drug screens, and breathalyzer tests per protocol; maintain chain-of-custody documentation.
• Absorb and assist in monitoring and maintaining client medications per site policy.
• Conduct scheduled safety checks, rounds, and environmental oversight.
• Ensure the facility complies with fire safety policies, visitor policies, and emergency procedures.
• Facility & Operational Support
• Provide clerical support to the treatment team, including scheduling, documentation, and front desk operations.
• Support meal service, housekeeping oversight, and general facility organization.
• Maintain accurate progress notes, incident reports, and documentation within the EHR.
• Absorb and assist staff and leadership with program-related needs to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Transportation & Community Support
• Safely transport clients to appointments, recovery meetings, grocery stores, or approved community activities.
• Support client participation in external resources and community-based services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days (American Red Cross or American Heart Association only).
• Valid driver’s license required; must obtain Class D (or state equivalent) within 30 days of hire for transportation responsibilities.
• Ability to pass background checks and motor vehicle screening.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, or related field.
• 1+ years of experience in addiction treatment, behavioral health, or residential services.
• CNA and/or QMA familiarity.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and electronic health record systems.
• Experience or knowledge of 12-Step programs, peer recovery principles, or dual diagnosis treatment.
• Personal or professional experience with recovery (minimum 2 years sustained recovery if applicable).

Work Conditions / Physical & Mental Demands

• Environment: Indoor residential treatment setting with moderate activity level.
• Physical: Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs. with assistance. Ability to assist clients in physical tasks and respond to emergencies.
• Cognitive/Emotional: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in fast-paced settings. Maintain professionalism with clients experiencing withdrawal, emotional distress, or crisis. Sustain focus for documentation and monitoring responsibilities.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

The work we do truly changes lives. We recognize the importance of supporting the people who make that impact possible. When you join our team, you’re stepping into a place that invests in your growth, wellbeing, and long-term career success. Comprehensive Benefits & Support We offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support you at work and at home, including:

• ICHRA Health Benefit – choose the health plan that best fits your needs, with premium reimbursement
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) + paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Clear Career Pathways & Advancement Opportunities

We believe in investing in our team members’ growth and development. Clear pathways are available for advancement within the organization.

Safe, Trauma-Informed, Supportive Work Environment

We strive to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We are committed to fostering a culture of empathy, trust, and mutual respect.

Modern Facilities & Updated Tools

We provide modern facilities and updated tools to support our team members in delivering high-quality care and services.

Strong, Accessible Leadership committed to your success

We have strong, accessible leadership committed to your success and the success of our team members. We value open communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of care we provide. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining talented team members from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.