Recovery Support Specialist
About the Role
As a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) at Recovery Centers of America (RCA), you'll be part of our mission to save one million lives from the disease of addiction. RCA operates over 11 facilities offering evidence-based inpatient, outpatient, and medication-assisted treatment 24/7, 365 days a year. We tailor treatment for each patient, including specialized programs for trauma, multiple recurrences, older adults, and first responders. Our family program rebuilds and strengthens relationships, supporting long-term recovery. Your role will involve supporting patients, implementing effective techniques, and making a difference in their lives, families, and communities.
Responsibilities
- Monitor patient activities, providing safety checks throughout the shift by completing rounds electronically or on paper.
- Participate in direct patient care, including patient flow, group facilitation, and therapeutic individual interaction.
- Facilitate the clinical schedule and assist with patient attendance at individual sessions across departments.
- Assist with verbal de-escalation and Against Advice interventions.
- Perform admissions, including patient searches, heat treatment, and documentation of belongings; process drop-offs and mail.
- Assist with the discharge process, including packing belongings, BAM, and survey completion.
- Monitor patient activities during groups, recreational activities, free time, fresh air breaks, and outings.
- Assist with all aspects of the visitation program (in-person or virtual), including greeting, sign-in, orientation, and belongings processing.
- Complete documentation such as shift reports, group/individual notes, incident reports, and checklists.
- If applicable and once DMV record is cleared, act as an approved driver for patient outings, ensuring safe transport and observation.
- Proficiently use technology hardware and company systems (e.g., Avatar, iPods, iPads, SmartForce, ADP, laptops, desktops).
- Maintain confidentiality in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, and referral sources.
- Exhibit excellent customer service skills through supportive and constructive communication with all contacts.
- Understand and apply the principles of 12-Step Programs to the recovery process.
- Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year of experience working with addiction services.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong knowledge of computer software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with behavior modification or 12-step modality.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
- Excellent customer relation skills, with supportive and constructive communication.
Competencies
- Customer Service: Meets internal and external customer needs in a manner that ensures satisfaction.
- Problem Solving: Identifies problems, involves others in seeking solutions, and conducts appropriate analyses.
- Communication Proficiency: Uses a broad range of communication styles effectively for diverse audiences and situations.
- Flexibility: Adapts to change, new information, and unexpected obstacles; adjusts behavior and responsibilities as needed.
- Time Management: Uses time effectively and efficiently, focusing on high-priority tasks and multitasking adeptly.
Work Environment
This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The noise level is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to talk or hear.
- Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, though some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
Additional Notes
A former patient may not be hired at the same RCA location where they were treated until at least one year after completing treatment. Former patients may be considered for employment at other RCA locations within a year, subject to the standard hiring process and without compromising ethical standards or patient care.