Recovery Support Specialist-SAFE Family Recovery

Wheeler’s vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.

About the role

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is an individual who either is in direct sustained recovery, or who has been directly impacted by addiction. Using a motivational approach, the RSS will assist clients with linking to the appropriate recovery service based on identified need. In addition, the RSS will use an evidenced-based model to provide ongoing support to clients who’ve received recovery services. Services may be delivered in community, office settings, and regional DCF offices. Training and extensive supervision are provided.

Rate: $22/hour with a $2,000 sign-on bonus (half upon hire & half at 1 year of service). Cost of living stipend: $4,160.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related human services field preferred.
• Experience working in the substance use recovery field and/or lived recovery experience is required.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate individual parent/caregiver needs and respond to crisis situations as required by the model.
• Valid Driver’s License is required. Must safely operate a vehicle in the community based on program needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide education on addiction recovery and facilitate linkages to these services.
• Conduct toxicology screens and SBIRT immediately upon referral during agreed-upon hours at DCF Area Offices. Toxicology screens will use quick-read cups, breathalyzers, or hair sample screens as requested by DCF.
• Utilize the GAIN Short Screener (GAIN-SS) to screen for mental health, substance use disorder, and crime/violence.
• Provide Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) for clients for up to six months following discharge from substance use treatment, including frequent check-ins in person, over the phone, and by text. Initial contact will be weekly, decreasing in frequency as clients strengthen their recovery capital.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, providing hope that recovery is possible.
• Provide initial RMC check-ins with new clients within one day of discharge from treatment to increase engagement.
• Proactively connect clients to local recovery resources and supports, identify concerns or relapse early, and re-engage clients in treatment services as needed.
• Assist clients with ensuring they follow their child safety plans.
• Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of recovery.
• Assist in professional training, outreach, and public education services as assigned, including conferences, workshops, and training for behavioral health agencies.
• Represent the agency at community forums or serve on inter-organizational committees as directed.
• Document clinical activities in the client record as required by Wheeler Clinic.
• Identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self-help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests.
• Assist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses regarding recovery.
• Coordinate the provision of services by other community professionals.
• Refer to licensed substance use provider pursuant to screen results and parent/caregiver agreement.
• Provide reports on SBIRT findings to the parent/caregiver and DCF. Parents/caregivers who test positive and contest results will be referred to a licensed substance use provider for a full evaluation.
• Continue to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served, using culturally appropriate approaches.

Benefits

• Nurture Your Health:
  • Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
  • Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
  • Access to wellness programs to support physical and mental health
• Secure Your Future:
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • 403(b) Plan with company contributions
• Fuel Your Career Growth:
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Training and development opportunities, including supervision towards licensure
  • Eligibility for National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment programs
  • Productivity incentive to recognize hard work and dedication
  • Reimbursement for licensure/certification expenses
• Maintain Work-Life Harmony:
  • 15 vacation days per year
  • 8 sick days per year
  • 2 personal days per year
  • 2 floating holidays per year
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Free and confidential counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pay

$22/hour with a $2,000 sign-on bonus (half upon hire, half at 1 year of service). Additional cost of living stipend: $4,160.

Schedule

Full time. Flexible schedule required to accommodate individual parent/caregiver needs and respond to crisis situations.

Location

Norwalk, CT