Recovery Support Specialist (32 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Bridgeport, CT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for a Recovery Support Specialist to join their team. This role focuses on supporting individuals in their recovery from mental health or substance use challenges by engaging them with compassion and empathy. DMHAS is moving towards requiring the Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential. The position is part-time, 32 hours per week, first shift, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, at the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) in Bridgeport, CT.

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
Experience using shared life experience to engage and motivate clients
Experience working in the community to assist clients with mental health and substance use disorders
Experience facilitating peer-led groups
Experience utilizing the Intentional Peer Support Model
Experience with trauma-informed care
Experience utilizing recovery-based language

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.
In inpatient settings, responsibilities move from providing one-on-one peer support to demonstrating and coaching the client through the development of coping and community adjustment skills and linking the client with important community resources.
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.