Recover Support Specialist

Recovery Centers of America•Waldorf, MD

17d

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. The RSS supports patients in daily activities; leads educational and recreational activities; facilitates psychoeducational and recovery-oriented programming; assists with crisis intervention and de-escalation; monitors patient behavior and safety; and contributes to a structured, trauma-informed treatment environment. The position operates in behavioral health settings such as residential, inpatient, and/or detoxification facilities and involves frequent interaction with patients experiencing mental health, substance use, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Excellent organizational skills and 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 safe driving record, as applicable.
Demonstrated customer service, including addressing internal and external customers' needs within available resources.
Problem-solving ability, including identifying problems, involving others in seeking solutions, analyzing options, and responding quickly to new challenges.
Communication proficiency, including choosing effective communication styles for different audiences and situations.
Flexibility and ability to adapt behavior and work methods to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; willingness to assume new responsibilities when patient care requires it.
Time-management ability, including prioritizing effectively and managing multiple tasks.

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 documentation, including rounds sheets, therapeutic activity notes, and end-of-shift reports; record patient behavior.
Participate in direct patient care, ensure patient safety, and use trauma-informed approaches when interacting with patients.
Assist patients with activities in their daily schedule.
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 after 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 New Patient Orientation, if applicable.
Assist with all aspects of the visitation program, 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.
Communicate supportively and constructively with coworkers, patients, residents, visitors, families, and referral sources.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.