Recovery Support Specialist

Recovery Centers of America•St. Charles, IL

21d

About The Position

The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) provides direct support and supervision to patients receiving substance abuse and behavioral health services. Under the direction of the Recovery Support Supervisor and in collaboration with clinical, nursing, and medical staff, the RSS promotes patient safety, engagement, recovery support, and therapeutic milieu management. The role supports individualized patient care through therapeutic engagement, observation, documentation, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team. Duties include supporting patients in daily activities, leading educational and recreational activities, facilitating psychoeducational and recovery-oriented programming, assisting with crisis intervention and de-escalation, monitoring patient behavior and safety, and contributing to a structured, trauma-informed treatment environment. The position operates in behavioral health settings, including residential, inpatient, and/or detoxification environments, and involves frequent interaction with patients experiencing mental health, substance use, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The environment may include exposure to emotional distress, behavioral escalation, and crisis situations. The noise level is usually moderate. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected. A former patient may not be hired at the same location where they were treated until at least one year after completing treatment at that location. Former patients may be considered for employment at other RCA locations within a year after treatment, subject to the standard hiring process and requirements to uphold ethical standards, patient care, and RCA's reputation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with the technology hardware, systems, and tools required to perform duties; training will be provided as needed.
Familiarity with behavior modification and 12-step modality.
Valid driver's license and a safe driving record, as applicable.
Customer service skills, including concern for meeting internal and external customers' needs within available resources.
Problem-solving skills, including identifying problems, involving others in solutions, conducting analyses, finding appropriate solutions, and responding quickly to new challenges.
Communication proficiency, including the ability to use appropriate and effective communication styles with different audiences and in diverse situations.
Flexibility and ability to adapt behavior and work methods to new information, changing conditions, unexpected obstacles, and new situations; willingness to assume new responsibilities when patient care requires it.
Time-management skills, including using time effectively, prioritizing important work, and managing several tasks at once.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking and standing, regular talking or listening, and regularly lifting and/or moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working in behavioral health and/or substance use disorder treatment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor patient activities and conduct security and safety checks throughout the shift; complete rounds sheets, therapeutic activity notes, and end-of-shift reports, and record patient behavior.
Participate in direct patient care, ensure patient safety, and use trauma-informed approaches when interacting with patients.
Assist with patients' daily schedules and activities.
Recognize signs of emotional distress, escalation, and behavioral instability and respond appropriately.
Assist with de-escalation, behavioral crisis intervention, and emergency response procedures as appropriate.
Promptly communicate patient concerns and observations to appropriate clinical and nursing staff.
Process patient belongings for new admissions and following visitations, including searching, heat treatment, and delivery.
Assist patients with packing belongings in preparation for discharge.
Monitor the Business Center/Workflex for patient compliance with rules and schedules.
Monitor patient activities at the Wellness Center/Fitness Center.
Partner with the clinical team to conduct welcoming new patient orientations, if applicable.
Assist with visitation program activities, including greeting, sign-in, orientation, searches, and belongings processing, if applicable.
Demonstrate understanding of recovery-oriented systems of care, including 12-Step principles, relapse prevention, and patient-centered recovery approaches.
Aid and instruct clients in facilitating and presenting the RCA Clinical Curriculum, with corresponding notes in the medical records system.
Assist with transporting patients and/or patient belongings, as applicable.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality when interacting with patients, residents, families, visitors, referral sources, and other contacts.
Demonstrate excellent customer relations through supportive and constructive communication with coworkers, patients, residents, visitors, families, and referral sources.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.