Community Based Certified Recovery Specialist

Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard is seeking a mission-driven individual/veteran with lived experience in recovery to work in the community offering strength-based, non-clinical support services to veterans with substance use disorders. CRSs model recovery, offer guidance, facilitate peer groups, and support each veteran's recovery journey from a position of mutual understanding.

Requirements

Lived experience in recovery (minimum 2 years preferred)
Trauma-informed approach and empathy for marginalized populations
Familiarity with the Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC)
Supportive of no single path to recovery
Strong communication and boundary-setting skills
Reliable, professional, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
High School Diploma or GED required
Must have Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) credential from the PA Certification Board.
Must maintain continuing education requirements and good standing with the PCB
Must have a reliable vehicle, driver's license and be willing to travel.
Must complete all required training and orientation prior to assignment
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital platforms.
Ability to focus on Recovery Support program details, follow through with timelines, and attend to multiple tasks and interactions.
Ability to retain and recall information regarding clients, policies, procedures, and schedules.
Capable of identifying issues, evaluating solutions, and making appropriate decisions independently or collaboratively.
Ability to comprehend written and verbal information, express thoughts clearly, and communicate effectively with diverse populations (e.g., staff, veterans)
Capacity to manage time effectively, maintain accurate records, coordinate meetings.
Adequate visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) to read documents, use a computer, and observe participants in meetings or events.
Adequate auditory ability (with or without assistive devices) to understand conversations in person, over the phone, or in virtual meetings.
Clear verbal expression to articulate expectations, deliver feedback, and conduct presentations
Ability to use hands for basic tasks, including writing, typing, and handling documents.
Must be able to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds regularly using proper lifting techniques.
Required to stand or walk for 6 to 8 hours daily on concrete surfaces.
Ability to sit and use computer for extended periods (4+ hours) with breaks.
Job functions include working outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain.

Nice To Haves

U.S. military veteran preferred.
Preferred peer support, recovery coaching, and motivational interviewing certifications.
Experience working with recovery populations, veterans, or peer support programs preferred.
Preferred bachelor's degree in behavioral health, social work, or related field.

Responsibilities

Deliver peer recovery services through 1:1 coaching on campus and in the community and structured group facilitation.
Provide motivational support, goal setting, and relapse prevention guidance.
Offer telephone-based and in-person recovery check-ins for veteran's post-discharge or in permanent housing.
Assist with veteran engagement and retention in services through motivational and practical strategies.
Record interactions and progress in the BestNotes system following HIPAA and DDAP documentation standards.
Co-lead/host/attend wellness, life skills, and recovery education sessions.
Collaborate with other Veterans Place programs and partners to support integrated care.
Provide wrap-around support by coordinating access to Veterans Place services (housing, recovery, healthcare, etc.).
Document according to agency, County, State and Health Choices guidelines and regulations.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. You will be expected to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested by your supervisor.