Bilingual Recovery Coach

Mental Health Association; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mental Health Association is hiring a Bilingual Recovery Coach for the BestLife Outpatient Clinic to support individuals with substance use services toward independent living. You will work within an integrated treatment team, sharing recovery perspectives to help design individualized action plans and programs.

The role emphasizes building trust, providing peer support during planning and transitions, and connecting clients with community resources while upholding MHA's core values of

Qualifications

• Must be bilingual fluent in English and Spanish.
• Must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy (Certified Recovery Coach).
• Lived experience with psychiatric diagnosis, extreme states, substance use, and/or trauma.
• Prior advocacy or peer support experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
• Cheerful, outward-going personality.
• Demonstrates ability to engage and build respectful and collaborative relationships.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Performs well under stress and in the event of a crisis.
• Familiarity with local community resources.

Responsibilities

• Share personal recovery journey to build trust and inspire hope.
• Help individuals articulate their recovery goals and build confidence.
• Serve as an advocate for individuals in treatment and community settings.
• Provide peer support during treatment planning, hospitalizations, and transitions.
• Model self-care, self-advocacy, and healthy decision-making.
• Facilitate access to community-based peer resources, support groups, and events.
• Provide information and guidance on housing, benefits, and social supports.
• Offer limited practical support (e.g., transportation) based on participant needs.
• Facilitate mutual support/self-help groups and encourage leadership development.
• Stay current on recovery-oriented practices and community resources.
• Recognize and report participant crises, safety concerns, or critical incidents.
• Complete required documentation, including timesheets and call logs.
• Promote culturally responsive, strengths-based support in all interactions.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Advocacy experience

Communication skills

Crisis readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Job Description

Mental Health Association, Inc. is hiring a Bilingual Recovery Coach for our BestLife Outpatient Clinic. The Recovery Coach supports individuals in need of substance use services to live independently in the community. They work within the Agency's team model, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among co-workers in accordance with MHA's Core Values (Respect, Integrity, and Compassion), policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines. The Recovery Coach provides a unique perspective and related skills to the integrated treatment team, including confidence and experience in the recovery process. They communicate this perspective to individuals to better advocate for them in the formulation of individualized action plans and the development of programs and services.

Pay Rate: $21 an hour

Key Responsibilities

• Share personal recovery journey to build trust and inspire hope.
• Help individuals articulate their recovery goals and build confidence.
• Serve as an advocate for individuals in treatment and community settings.
• Provide peer support during treatment planning, hospitalizations, and transitions.
• Model self-care, self-advocacy, and healthy decision-making.
• Facilitate access to community-based peer resources, support groups, and events.
• Provide information and guidance on housing, benefits, and social supports.
• Offer limited practical support (e.g., transportation) based on participant needs.
• Facilitate mutual support/self-help groups and encourage leadership development.
• Stay current on recovery-oriented practices and community resources.
• Recognize and report participant crises, safety concerns, or critical incidents.
• Complete required documentation, including timesheets and call logs.
• Promote culturally responsive, strengths-based support in all interactions.

Requirements

• Must be bilingual/fluent in English and Spanish
• Must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy (Certified Recovery Coach)
• Lived experience with psychiatric diagnosis, extreme states, substance use, and/or trauma
• Prior experience in advocacy or peer support role preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Valid driver's license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
• Cheerful, outward-going personality
• Demonstrates ability to engage and build respectful and collaborative relationships
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Performs well under stress and in the event of a crisis
• Familiarity with local community resource

About BestLife - Emotional Health & Wellness

The BestLife Emotional Health & Wellness Center offers compassionate, person-centered mental health and substance use treatment for individuals, families, and couples. Whether challenges are short-term or ongoing, BestLife provides evidence-based care to support emotional well-being and recovery.

Services include assessments, therapy (individual, group, family, couples), substance use treatment, co-occurring disorder care, medication management, case coordination, and recovery support. Care is delivered by licensed clinicians and overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Mental Health Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Company Description

MHA - Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live their best life. We provide a wide range of services across Western Massachusetts, including outpatient therapy, substance use recovery, supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, and residential and housing programs. MHA serves individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and homelessness. Our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowering people to lead fulfilling, independent lives.