Certified Recovery Specialist

ActionAIDS • Philadelphia, PA

18h • $43,000 - $45,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) provides non‑clinical support to individuals working toward long‑term recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Drawing on their own lived experience, the CRS serves as a role model and mentor, helping clients build practical coping skills, strengthen motivation, and stay accountable to their recovery goals. Through ongoing encouragement and guidance, the CRS promotes increased engagement, stability, and satisfaction throughout the recovery process. In addition, CRS staff will accompany clients to medical, and other essential appointments to ensure continuity of care and reduce barriers to access.

Requirements

• Understanding of substance use disorders, recovery-oriented systems of care, harm‑reduction principles, and the role of peer support within behavioral health services.
• Ability to draw appropriately from personal recovery experience to support, motivate, and empower others while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Awareness of HIPAA regulations and confidentiality standards.
• Commitment to ethical standards, including maintaining appropriate boundaries and adhering to all state and federal regulations governing peer support services.
• Strong active listening, empathy, and relationship‑building abilities, with the capacity to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds in a supportive, nonjudgmental manner.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate documentation, and follow through with appointments, outreach efforts, and service coordination.
• Capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, communicate clearly with colleagues, and coordinate care across internal and external providers.
• Ability to model and teach coping strategies, self‑advocacy, and practical problem‑solving techniques that support clients’ recovery goals.
• Ability to remain flexible, calm, and solution‑focused in dynamic or challenging situations while maintaining personal wellness and boundaries.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently, timely and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with CaseWorthy or similar client management databases (e.g., CareWare, eClinicalWorks, Epic).
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certification: Must possess and maintain an active Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification issued by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). For highly qualified candidates, Action Wellness will provide support in obtaining CRS certification after hire. Continued employment is contingent upon achieving CRS certification through the PCB within the first six months of employment.
• Minimum of one (1) year of Lived experience in personal recovery from a substance use disorder with a minimum period of sustained recovery as defined by certifying bodies or agency policy.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience providing peer support, mentoring, or working within behavioral health, recovery, or human services settings is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations and an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals navigating treatment and recovery services.

Responsibilities

• Provide encouragement and practical guidance by drawing on personal recovery experience. Serve as a positive role model and offer peer-based support to individuals at all stages of recovery.
• Support clients in following through with scheduled intakes, treatment appointments, and other recovery-related commitments, helping reduce barriers to engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the case manager to help clients progress toward the goals outlined in their service care plan. Demonstrate and reinforce effective coping strategies, problem‑solving approaches, and self‑care practices.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of client interactions, progress, and services provided. Communicate and coordinate with multidisciplinary treatment teams and external agencies to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Conduct proactive outreach to reconnect individuals who have disengaged from case management services, supporting their return to consistent participation in agency programs.
• Uphold all state and federal confidentiality regulations and adhere to established professional ethical standards in every aspect of service delivery.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED