Recovery Support Specialist

Description

We are a 24 hour, seven day a week program.  Work schedule consists of 12 hour shifts.  Full time employees work a rotating three days on, three days off work schedule. Full time includes benefits and overtime pay as applicable. Part time positions are two specific days per week, depending upon company need.  

Must be an adult who has previously utilized mental health or substance-use services, is currently in recovery, and is excited to model recovery for others experiencing similar struggles. Must have compassion for people who are hurting and a desire to help ease the suffering of others. Must believe recovery is possible for all people who experience mental health and substance use challenges, including knowledge and application of the Recovery Oriented Model specific to those experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Living Room Program Recovery Support Specialist is responsible for the general welfare of the Independence Center Living Room guests while they are participating in Living Room programs and activities. 

A professional demeanor and strong communication skills are essential; this includes verbal, written, telephone, email, text, social media, and other means of communication. Ethical behavior and professionalism in all interactions is expected. Employee will follow all policies and procedures of Independence Center.  Employee should listen well, diffuse conflict before it starts, find solutions to problems in a constructive manner, and be able to handle difficult people. This position requires working autonomously and as part of a team. The individual must be intrinsically motivated, flexible to shifts in priorities, and adaptive to changing work requirements. 

The employee must demonstrate the ability to function in a computer-oriented office, including working knowledge of all relevant software. It is expected the employee maintain and improve job skills through training, education, seminars, and other activities designed to promote best practices about job duties. Employee will be expected to complete necessary reports including, but not limited to, time cards, leave requests, expense reports, benefit forms, transportation reports, etc.

The position is responsible for providing the following duties:

Assist guests in utilizing effective coping and self-help techniques.

Assist guests who have experienced social stigmatization with their sense of acceptance.

Document accurately, neatly, and consistently any and every contact with or on behalf of a guest.

Provide for confidentiality of records and communications, adhering to all applicable laws regarding confidentiality and privacy.

Provide assessments, problem-solving, side-by-side services, skills teaching, support, and environmental adaptations to assist guests with crises.

Provide instruction and skills training in illness and recovery management to guests and their families. 

Assists guests in arranging transportation (to clinical, medical, and other necessary appointments). 

This position may require driving the company vehicle and providing transportation to guests. 

Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to help guests create their person-centered recovery plan.

Assist guests in identifying and engaging in treatment services, self-help groups, community groups, faith-based groups, and other natural supports  to expand guests' recovery support systems.

Help guests identify personal strengths in daily living and recovery and barriers to recovery goals. 

Assist guests in building social, problem-solving, and coping skills. 

Reports any behavior, observations, or actions that indicate a member may be suicidal, assaultive, or engaging in any behavior harmful to himself/herself or others through use of the incident report. Document any incidents, injuries or illnesses.

Help guests identify and overcome fears. 

Collaborates and advocates with collateral sources, agencies, internal departments, bureaucracies, facilities, and families on behalf of members, Independence Center and the program/ department.

Provide outreach via phone, email, in person, and text to individuals per policy, to remove therapeutic ambivalence to treatment, follow up on referrals, and reduce any barriers that may remain.

Other duties as required as outlined by the Living Room Program Coordinator, Assistant Director, or Executive Director.

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Requirements

• Education: Requires a High School Diploma/ GED. An associate’s degree in Health and Human Services or a comparable program is preferred.  Must be certified as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) through the Illinois Certification Board or willing to pursue this certification. If not already a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, the Recovery Support Specialist must attend the next available CRSS training, complete the program requirements and pass the exam.
• Previous clinical work experience in a health care, residential, and or acute care setting preferred.
• All staff are required to attend in-service training designated by Independence Center as mandatory (compulsory) for the position held.
• Must be self-motivated, organized, and comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Be a collaborative, solution-focused team player, must help facilitate safe client outcomes and contribute to institutional goals.
• Punctuality and reliability are a must. 
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurability if required.