Addiction Recovery Assistant- (English/Spanish Required)

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is seeking dependable, compassionate, and motivated bilingual Addiction Recovery Assistants to join its Behavioral Health team in Philadelphia. The role provides direct care, supervision, and recovery support to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders, addiction, and co-occurring mental health conditions in a structured residential recovery environment. Fluency in English and Spanish is required to support client communication, treatment participation, and a safe, culturally responsive setting. Addiction Recovery Assistants help maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment while assisting clients with daily activities, recovery programming, behavioral support, and treatment engagement. This role offers hands-on experience for people interested in careers in behavioral health, addiction treatment, mental health, or human services, and involves collaboration with counselors, nurses, recovery specialists, and other behavioral health professionals. Previous professional experience in behavioral health or addiction treatment is preferred but not required; knowledge gained through education, work, lived experience, or supporting people affected by substance use disorders is valued. Part-time and per diem (flex) opportunities are available. Part-time employees work 16 hours per week on a Monday and Wednesday rotation and every other weekend. Per diem employees provide coverage as needed based on departmental staffing needs. Additional hours may be available based on department needs. All new hires must attend a mandatory five-day orientation, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, before starting their regular schedule; attendance on all five days is required. The position is fully onsite in a residential behavioral health and addiction recovery treatment setting. It involves frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and direct client interaction. Employees may encounter agitation, emotional distress, or behavioral challenges and must respond appropriately while maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. Outdoor escorts and occasional travel may be required. Employment is contingent on successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, employment verification, and drug screening. The employer is a Drug Free Workplace.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Fluency in both English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff in both languages.
First Aid and CPR certification required within 30 days of hire.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English and Spanish.
Understanding of or willingness to learn about substance use disorders, addiction recovery, and recovery-oriented support services.
Ability to establish professional, supportive relationships with individuals receiving addiction treatment.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and observation skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Ability to recognize and report changes in client behavior, mood, or condition.
Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Ability to provide appropriate redirection and use de-escalation techniques.
Strong documentation, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary behavioral health treatment team.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive during challenging situations.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
Ability to complete the mandatory five-day orientation, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Successful completion of pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, employment verification, and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Current college students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
College coursework or a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Behavioral Health, Addiction Studies, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.
Twelve college credits in Behavioral Health, Human Services, or a related field are preferred.
Previous professional experience in addiction treatment, substance use recovery, behavioral health, mental health, residential treatment, peer support, or human services is preferred but not required.
Knowledge of addiction and recovery gained through education, professional experience, personal lived experience, or supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders is valued.
Active Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) or Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification is strongly encouraged but not required.
Working knowledge of 12-Step Recovery Programs is preferred.
Experience obtaining vital signs or providing direct client care is a plus.
Familiarity with or willingness to learn 12-Step Recovery Programs, peer support principles, and relapse prevention concepts.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care, daily engagement, and recovery support to clients receiving residential addiction treatment services.
Communicate effectively with English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients to support daily activities, recovery engagement, and treatment participation.
Maintain a safe, structured, supportive, and recovery-oriented therapeutic environment.
Observe, document, and report client behaviors, activities, and changes in condition using paper and electronic documentation systems.
Complete vital signs, blood glucose monitoring (Accu-Cheks), and other assigned clinical support tasks within the scope of the position.
Conduct admission searches, room checks, and personal belongings inventories in accordance with facility procedures.
Monitor urine specimen collections and inspect packages and personal items brought onto the unit.
Participate in and assist with recovery groups, structured activities, and community engagement programming.
Support clients in maintaining daily routines, treatment participation, and recovery-focused behaviors.
Escort clients to medical, legal, recreational, and other approved appointments.
Assist with meal service and maintaining appropriate unit structure and order.
Provide accurate shift reports and maintain required communication logs.
Use appropriate redirection, verbal de-escalation, and crisis prevention techniques when assisting clients.
Collaborate with nursing staff, counselors, recovery specialists, and other behavioral health professionals.
Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization throughout the residential treatment environment.
Follow facility policies regarding confidentiality, infection control, client safety, and professional boundaries.
Attend required departmental meetings, training sessions, and other assigned activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned.