Bilingual Recovery Coach

MHA (Mental Health Association); Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 23,866 - 33,992; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused mental health agency in Springfield is hiring a Bilingual Recovery Coach to support individuals in their recovery journey. This role involves sharing personal experiences, advocating for clients, and providing peer support throughout treatment. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, completed the Recovery Coach Academy, and possess lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges. The position offers a starting pay of $21 an hour with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• Promote culturally responsive, strengths‑based support in all interactions.

Skills

Peer support

Advocacy

Crisis management

Client engagement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Certified Recovery Coach Academy

Job description

Position Summary

Mental Health Association, Inc. is hiring for a Bilingual Recovery Coach. 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.

$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

About BestLife – Emotional Health & Wellness

The BestLife Emotional Health & Wellness Center provides compassionate, person‑centered care for individuals, families, and couples facing mental health and substance use challenges. Using evidence‑based approaches, our team supports both short‑term needs and long‑term recovery through services such as assessments, individual, group, family, and couples therapy, substance use and co‑occurring disorder treatment, medication management, case coordination, and recovery support. Care is delivered by licensed clinicians and overseen by a board‑certified psychiatrist, ensuring high‑quality, supportive treatment every step of the way.

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.

Requirements

• 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 resources