Recovery Support Specialist (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Norwich, CT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for a Recovery Support Specialist to join the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team at the Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) in Norwich, CT. This full-time, 35-hour per week position focuses on supporting individuals in their recovery from mental health or substance use challenges. The role involves conducting skills training, facilitating recovery-focused groups, engaging clients in community resources, serving as a role model, and assisting clients in achieving their personal recovery goals. DMHAS is a healthcare agency dedicated to promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through a comprehensive network of services. SMHA provides high-quality behavioral health services to adults with mental health and substance use disorders in New London County. The ACT Team is a multidisciplinary team that provides comprehensive community-based services to clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

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.
Ability to utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals in various stages of recovery and high levels of acuity in community-based settings.
Experience staying organized to track client progress and facilitate connection to community resources.
Experience facilitating recovery-focused skills training and self-help groups, with an understanding of recovery from a holistic bio-psycho-social perspective.
Experience empowering individuals through peer-led support, strengths-based approaches, and navigating the rights of individuals in recovery through system and resource connection.
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

Conduct skills training and recovery focused self-help groups with the goal of helping clients promote recovery from a bio-psycho-social aspect.
Assist in engaging clients in their own recovery journeys, engaging in community resources and self-help groups, maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu within the Agency, and assisting clients in defining and achieving personal goals and recovery plans.
Serve as a role model to teach recovery principles and shared life-experiences to others to demonstrate hope and opportunities for change and growth to others in recovery.
Assist individuals in recovery in knowing and exercising their rights, provide rehabilitative interventions and education in the community and document client interactions, including progress towards goal achievement and independence.
Assist clients to manage successes and challenges in their recovery journeys by providing supportive coaching and guidance in navigating community resources.
Facilitate recovery groups for dually diagnosed individuals addressing many aspects of recovery including healthy relationships, wellness, and self-advocacy/ self-worth.
Refer clients to self-help groups such as AA or NA and other outside services clients may need.
Accompany clients to medical appointments and other appointments in the community.
Communicate care with SMHA staff in team meetings on client’s recovery goals and progress.
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.