10/30/2010

Job Title:  RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST   

Job Code:  L0675

DEFINITION:  This is public contact work providing non-clinical support services to promote wellness in individuals initiating and maintaining long-term recovery from substance abuse disorders in a Department of Health funded Single County Authority or other licensed treatment facility.  

An employee in this job is responsible for providing support services to individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorders by helping them gain access to needed resources in the community, assisting them in overcoming barriers, and helping them bridge gaps between their needs and available resources.  Work involves assisting individuals in self-identifying personal goals for recovery, assisting individuals in determining the steps to reach their recovery goals, and providing an environment of mutual respect, empowerment and opportunity to promote self-sufficiency.  Work involves serving as an advocate through the various stages of recovery and recovery maintenance. Work also involves helping individuals assertively link to public services, educational opportunities, employment and vocational skill services.  Employees actively provide individuals in recovery with feedback to help them recognize their strengths and recovery options.  Work is performed under general supervision from a management level staff in the drug and alcohol field and effectiveness is evaluated by observation and review of written documentation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  Advocates for individual and family needs with substance abuse professionals, mental health professionals, medical professionals and others within the general community.  

Encourages individuals’ empowerment in asserting their rights and needs.

Provides instruction and role modeling and coaches individuals in skill building activities such as budgeting, job interviewing, civic involvement, or self-assertiveness training.

Problem-solves with individuals and interacts with other “team members” (treatment staff, probation officers, etc. as applicable) to eliminate obstacles to recovery, e.g. linkage to child-care, transportation, housing, etc.

Provides input to individuals developing a personal recovery plan which provides self-determined direction to one’s recovery process. 

Conducts recovery check-ups and promotion by observing behavior and forms of individual contacts and feedback such as telephone or e-mail.

Advises and informs individuals regarding community resources, including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual and other resources needed to meet goals, objectives and needs.

Prepares written documentation of services provided to individuals and the effectiveness of delivered supports.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Knowledge of the purpose, goals and objectives of the drug and alcohol recovery process.

Knowledge of drug and alcohol recovery support program practices 

Knowledge of the drug and alcohol service delivery system

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships 

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:  Full certification as a drug and alcohol recovery support specialist by a statewide certification body which is a member of a National certification body or certification by another state government’s substance abuse certification board.

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST03