Recovery Support Specialist (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a committed Recovery Support Specialist. In this role, you will use shared life experience, recovery-oriented tools, and person-centered practices to engage, motivate, and mentor adults as they work toward their personal recovery goals. The Recovery Support Specialist plays a vital role in meeting the staffing requirements of the DMHAS fidelity model by providing person-centered recovery support to individuals living independently in the community. Using personal lived experience and recovery principles, the successful candidate will build meaningful relationships, promote hope and self-determination, support community integration, encourage socialization and engagement, and connect individuals with resources that strengthen their recovery journey. We are looking for a compassionate, motivated professional who is passionate about helping others, values teamwork, communicates effectively, and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. DMHAS is the state agency responsible for providing a comprehensive system of behavioral health services for adults experiencing mental health and substance use conditions across Connecticut. DMHAS works to ensure accessible, recovery-oriented, and evidence-based care through community programs, state-operated services, and partnerships with local providers. The agency is committed to improving outcomes for individuals with severe and persistent behavioral health needs by coordinating services, promoting early access to care, and supporting safe transitions across levels of treatment. River Valley Services (RVS), a community mental health center serving Middlesex County and the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme, is operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). RVS’s goal is to provide the highest quality crisis intervention, case management, and residential and clinical services to adult citizens, 18 years of age and older, who suffer from serious mental disorders and who lack the financial means to secure such services in the private sector. Services are directed at improving clients’ quality of life and fostering dignity, ability, and recovery. We are dedicated to promoting a complete and responsive service system for our clients and others in need. All persons receiving services from River Valley Services have the right to culturally appropriate mental health and addiction services consistent with their communication needs and personal preferences. Translation and interpreter services are available at RVS. The Community Support Program Team A works closely with individuals with complex behavioral health and/or substance use conditions, offering recovery-focused services that encourage engagement, socialization, and connection to community resources. Located at 351 Silver Street in Middletown, Connecticut, RVS is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care that supports long-term recovery and wellness.

Requirements

Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field.
Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
Ability to observe and redirect client behavior; utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

Experience/understanding of recovery principles.
Experience working in a community setting.
Experience with engaging/connecting with adults with complex behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.
Experience with recovery resources.
Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Responsibilities

Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plan using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools
Supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in their recovery plan (i.e., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports)
Guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights
Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals
Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration
Provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families
Acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have, or are at risk for, co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities
Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness
Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs
Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress
Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity
Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities
Organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level
Observes and reports clients’ behavior
Prepares and submits incident or other related forms
Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required
Enters computerized data as required
May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication
May provide outreach and transportation
Accompanies clients off the unit and on to the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation
Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community
May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population