Recovery Support Specialist (Part-Time)

State of Connecticut•New Haven, CT

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a committed Recovery Support Specialist to function as a member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for Recovery team. 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. This position provides coaching and guidance to assist individuals in identifying recovery goals, support networks, employment and/or educational opportunities. Utilizing their own lived experience as well as evidence-based Illness Management techniques, this position seeks to engage individuals who might not otherwise respond to treaters and to provide education around client rights and responsibilities, tools for recovery and management of mental health, substance use and medical issues. May assist with medical/dental/vision needs and appointments and may provide transportation as needed. Documents in the medical records, including electronic documentation, as per policies and procedures, and performs other related duties as assigned.

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 with adults in a community setting with severe and persistent mental health and co-occurring disorders.

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.