Recovery Support Specialist

Recovery Centers of America•St. Charles, IL

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, including residential, inpatient, and/or detoxification environments, and involves frequent interaction with patients experiencing mental health, substance use, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Travel is primarily local during the business day, though 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 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.
Demonstrate customer service, problem-solving, communication, flexibility, and time-management proficiency.
Regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
A former patient may not be hired at the same location where they were treated until at least one year has elapsed since completing treatment at that location; consideration at other RCA locations within a year is subject to the standard hiring process and ethical, patient-care, and reputational standards.

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 shifts; document rounds, therapeutic activities, end-of-shift reports, and 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 following visitations, including searching, heat treatment, and delivery.
Assist patients with packing belongings in preparation for discharge.
Monitor Business Center/Workflex activities 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 Orientation, 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 customer relation skills through supportive and constructive communication with co-workers, patients, residents, visitors, families, and referral sources.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.