Recovery Support Specialist II

Provides peer recovery support services to patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and assists in achieving sustained recovery. Offers functional supervision to Recovery Support Specialist I staff and facilitates access to recovery-oriented treatment, resources, and community groups. Bridges segregated treatment systems into a holistic care model and supports research project goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide functional supervision of daily activities of Recovery Support Specialist I, including input on probationary and annual performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, hiring, and training.
• Establish and maintain a network of community partnerships to connect with eligible participants and sustain connections with community resources.
• Serve on advisory boards to inform and strengthen recruitment goals and overall research project aims.
• Support research through strong connections with participants and employees to facilitate efficient screening and timely follow-up data collection.
• Act as a liaison between the recovery community, addiction treatment system, medical treatment system, and patients’ community, family, and social context.
• Engage with patients identified with SUD referred by UMMS, meeting with them prior to discharge to facilitate access to the next stage of treatment.
• Conduct initial needs assessments, review patients’ SUD history, and identify goals and expectations with clinical staff; facilitate referrals to appropriate treatment options.
• Work collaboratively with the treatment team to implement evidence-based services for patients with SUD.
• Help patients navigate the healthcare and social service systems; accompany patients to appointments and meetings as needed.
• Provide transportation to clients for meetings and appointments as required.
• Educate patients about addiction and use motivational enhancement techniques to encourage treatment engagement.
• Provide peer counseling and support patients in establishing treatment goals, achieving and maintaining recovery, and addressing barriers.
• Conduct active outreach to encourage participation in recovery-oriented, self-help, and pro-social groups.
• Assist with access to treatment for SUD and co-occurring conditions, creating systems to rapidly identify treatment needs and determine appropriate care levels.
• Assist with data collection for quality assurance and program evaluation.
• Develop relapse prevention/intervention plans with patients and care teams; monitor progress and evaluate outcomes using a patient tracking system.
• Maintain clear and effective communication between patients, primary care providers, consulting psychiatrists, and external providers while adhering to confidentiality procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and standardized data on all patients; review caseloads weekly with supervisors, focusing on new and high-need patients.

Requirements

• Current Certification as a Recovery Coach or Peer Specialist.
• Minimum of 6 years in sustained recovery.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Solid understanding of the Internet and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Reliable transportation and comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, networking, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (psychologists, physicians, social workers, research assistants, nurses).
• Strong advocacy skills and knowledge of community-based services, resources, and the local recovery community.
• Comfort with multiple pathways to recovery from SUD and a patient-centered approach recognizing individual preferences and autonomy.
• Comfort working in both medical and social service settings.
• Clinical skills in motivational enhancement strategies.
• Ability to provide accurate, non-judgmental feedback to participants and employees.
• Flexibility to adapt to unforeseen needs or circumstances.
• Strong problem-solving, multitasking, organizational, and goal-directed skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and staff.
• Ability to handle confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior leadership experience.