Recovery Support Specialist II, Per Diem

About the Role

The Recovery Support Specialist II provides peer recovery support services to patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and assists patients in achieving sustained recovery. This role also includes functional supervision of Recovery Support Specialist I staff. The Specialist facilitates patient access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community recovery groups, bridging segregated treatment systems into a holistic care model. Additionally, the role supports research project aims and reinforces goals through interactions with participants and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide functional supervision of daily activities for Recovery Support Specialist I, including input on probationary and annual performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, hiring, training, and interviewing.
• 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.
• Serve 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 alongside 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.
• Educate patients about addiction and use motivational enhancement techniques to encourage treatment.
• Provide peer counseling and support patients in establishing treatment goals and maintaining recovery.
• Address barriers to successful recovery and serve as a role model and advocate.
• 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 levels of care.
• Assist with data collection for quality assurance and program evaluation.
• Develop relapse prevention/intervention plans with patients and the care team.
• Monitor patient progress and evaluate outcomes using a patient tracking system.
• Facilitate communication between the patient, PCP, consulting psychiatrist, and external providers while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and standardized data on all patients.
• Systematically review the caseload with a supervisor weekly, focusing on new patients and those experiencing difficulties.

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.
• 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 willingness to embrace a patient-centered approach.
• 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 and multi-tasking abilities; organized, efficient, and goal-directed.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and staff.
• Ability to handle confidential information.

Prior leadership experience is preferred.