Certified Recovery Specialist
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Drug & Alcohol and Behavioral Health Services
JOB SUMMARY:
The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) will serve as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to recovering individuals in order to help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. The CRS must demonstrate an ability to share personal recovery experiences and develop authentic peer-to-peer relationships. The CRS will have respect for diverse pathways and styles of recovery; focus on immediate recovery-linked needs; use of self as a helping instrument; and emphasis on continuity of recovery support over time; and advocate on behalf of persons with Substance problems to protect the client’s rights and to assist in reducing associated stigma.
Must be a self-starter capable of working independently, dependable, and work effectively with ongoing supervision and a multi-disciplinary team. Must have a CRS certificate.
JOB STATUS: Full-Time Non-Exempt
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
1. Assist in the development of an individualized Recovery Plan
2. Offer recovery education, information, and coaching, encouragement, support, enhancement of self-management skills, etc.
3. Recovery resource identification, development, and mobilization
4. Maintain a caseload of 10-15 depending on the needs and frequency of peer requested contacts
5. Assertive linkages to and navigation within the addiction treatment services and other human services
6. Companionship and modeling of recovery lifestyle including problem-solving to eliminate obstacles of recovery
7. Recovery check-ups, advocacy, leadership development and empowerment
8. Consistent support and guidance before, during, and after any and all treatment episodes
9. Encourage and identify educational and employment opportunities
10. Help individuals to build or rebuild positive, constructive relationships with family and others
11. Introduce and engage individuals in the recovery community
12. Encouragement and offering accompaniment to alcohol and drug free social and recreational activities
13. Provide ongoing assistance for individuals in obtaining and/or maintaining services from multiple systems (e.g. mental health, CYF, criminal justice, etc.)
14. Offer guidance on the recovery experience, to include stage-appropriate recovery education
15. Offer support related to obstacles that are often encountered during the early stages of recovery
16. Facilitate access to various community resources to ensure basic needs are met
17. Monitor the individual's recovery stability
18. Provides group and/or individual sessions based on goals/ objectives in the recovery plan
19. Offer referrals to treatment services when necessary
20. Performs other related duties and other duties as requested and/or necessary
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Maintains required training hours and clearances.
2. Maintains open communication with supervisor and other staff as it relates to the necessary flow of the job and programs. Aids in the design of educational programs.
3. Continually remains up to date on the individual, group, and family counseling techniques and evidence-based approaches. Possesses and utilizes the ability to relate to problems and special needs of clients.
4. Maintains community resources to make them available to individuals and/or families.
5. Must possess and utilize verbal and written communication skills and general computer skills, including WORD, EXCEL, Outlook, internet, and other systems.
6. Must understand addiction, family dynamics, ATOD pharmacology, confidentiality regulations, and DDAP Best Practices Guidelines.
7. Must have a CRS certificate or must obtain the CRS certificate within 6 months of hire.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; sit and walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms. The employee must be capable of lifting or pulling 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust and focus. Proper diction and command of the English language are required. Must be able to exercise independent thinking and good judgment under all circumstances.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A High school diploma or GED is required, and CRS certification can be obtained within 6 months or prior to hire. Must have lived experience with substance use disorder and at least 18-24 months of sustained recovery. All required clearances must be current including Act 33/34 Child Abuse Clearance and Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance, and FBI Clearance.
This job reflects the assignment of essential and other responsibilities of this position. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.