Recovery Support Specialist (Part-time) Office/On-site #260618-5729HN-001

About the role

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a committed Recovery Support Specialist. In this role, you will use your unique perspective to make a meaningful difference.

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 (i.e., 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;
• Performs related duties as required.

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.
• Experience working in the community to assist mental health substance abuse clients.
• Experience facilitating peer-led groups.
• Experience working as a Recovery Support Specialist providing trauma-informed community-based care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

Qualifications

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

Skills

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
• Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.

Benefits

• Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer.
• Enjoy endless opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Embrace a healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees.

Pay

• $26.38 - $35.77*/hour *Salary effective 6/26/26 (New state employees start at minimum)

Schedule

• Part-time (32 hours weekly), Monday - Thursday, First Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM