Recovery Support Specialist - Training (RSS-T) (Pool/PRN)

About the role

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery.

We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.

Responsibilities

• Builds meaningful therapeutic relationships with individuals by providing peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused guidance throughout the treatment process.
• Serves as a recovery advocate, helping individuals identify strengths, overcome barriers, and actively participate in their treatment and recovery planning.
• Shares lived recovery experiences appropriately and professionally to inspire hope, model recovery, and reinforce that healing and wellness are achievable.
• Facilitates and co-facilitates psychoeducational, recovery-oriented, and skills-based groups that support individual growth, resilience, and community connection.
• Provides one-on-one peer support and coaching to assist individuals in identifying goals, developing coping strategies, and navigating challenges in recovery.
• Partners closely with nursing, clinical, medical, and operational teams to support treatment goals and ensure a coordinated, person-centered approach to care.
• Utilizes trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practices to promote emotional safety, reduce escalation, and help minimize the use of restrictive interventions, including seclusion and restraint.
• Assists individuals in identifying and accessing community resources, support systems, and recovery services that promote successful transitions and long-term wellness.
• Demonstrates knowledge of multiple pathways to recovery and supports individuals in pursuing the approach that best aligns with their needs, goals, and values.
• Encourages engagement in treatment, programming, and recovery activities through authentic connection, support, and positive reinforcement.
• Documents all interactions, observations, and services provided in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and documentation standards.
• Supports daily therapeutic programming and contributes to a positive, welcoming, and recovery-focused treatment environment.
• Maintains required certifications, competencies, and training requirements, including attendance at department meetings and ongoing professional development activities.
• Models Connections' values and commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centered behavioral healthcare.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Completion of (or enrollment in) the DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training
• A minimum of 1 (one) year of personal recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or 1 (one) year of experience as a family member supporting a loved one
• Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
• Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and proficiency with basic computer applications, including email, internet navigation, and electronic documentation, preferred
• Agreement to adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques

Qualifications

• Experience working or volunteering in behavioral health, substance use treatment, recovery services, social services, healthcare, or community-based organizations
• Experience facilitating groups, mentoring peers, or supporting individuals in recovery-oriented settings
• Behavioral Health/Substance Use Treatment or GMH Recovery experience
• Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, etc.)
• Knowledge of evidence-based/person-centered skillsets, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction, and Person-centered language

Benefits

• Full-time only: Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
• Company‑paid parental leave available to eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support

Pay

Virginia pay range $21 - $21 USD

Earn More with Shift Differentials: Maximize Your Earnings With Additional Hourly Pay +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights, +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights, +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days