Bilingual Recovery Counselor

COMHAR INC; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

COMHAR INC seeks a dedicated Recovery Counselor to provide recovery-oriented counseling and skill-building for individuals facing mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges. The role emphasizes person-centered care, strong communication, and documentation in a fast-paced, recovery-focused setting.

This FULL-TIME position in Philadelphia requires bilingual English/Spanish abilities, with a schedule of Monday–Friday 9:00AM–5:00PM and a starting rate of $19.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 2 years in human services or CPS with 1 year direct service.
• CPS certificate is required and preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish with strong reading and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide recovery-oriented individual and group coaching and counseling.
• Support development of individualized recovery plans using motivational interviewing.
• Educate on illness management, WRAP, relapse prevention, and peer supports.
• Assist with housing, benefits, employment, and community resources.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation and participate in supervision.

Skills

Recovery counseling

Motivational interviewing

Bilingual English/Spanish

Documentation

Community resources

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certificate

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Recovery Counselor to join our growing team. In this role, the Recovery Counselor provides recovery-oriented counseling and skill-building support to individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring substance use challenges, while maintaining accurate and timely documentation in accordance with program and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate is reliable, organized, and person-centered, with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, recovery-focused treatment environment.

Full-Time | Available In the Philadelphia, PA 19133 Area | Bilingual Speaker Required (Spanish Speaking)

Salary:

$19.50/HR

Scheduled:

Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM

Job Summary

The Recovery Counselor facilitates the development of recovery skills for individuals receiving mental health and/or co-occurring disorder services. This role supports individuals in directing their own recovery process through education, coaching, advocacy, and community integration. The Recovery Counselor promotes wellness, self-worth, and independence by helping individuals build practical life skills, access natural community resources, and achieve personally meaningful recovery goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage and support individuals receiving mental health and/or co-occurring disorder services using recovery-oriented, person-centered practices
• Assist individuals in directing their own recovery process through education, coaching, and skill development
• Assess individuals’ strengths, abilities, needs, and assets to support the development of individualized recovery plans
• Support individuals in identifying personal goals and interests using motivational interviewing techniques
• Provide individual and group coaching, counseling, mentoring, and skills training, including independent living skills (e.g., money management, hygiene, meal preparation, transportation use)
• Educate individuals on evidence-based recovery practices, including Illness Management and Recovery, co-occurring disorders, supported employment, and family psychoeducation
• Educate individuals on Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), relapse prevention, and coping strategies to reduce the need for restrictive services
• Provide education and linkage to self-help, mutual support, and peer-based recovery resources
• Collaborate with Certified Peer Specialists and multidisciplinary team members to promote peer support and recovery-oriented services
• Support community integration by assisting individuals in accessing educational, social, recreational, spiritual, and peer-based activities
• Provide off-site coaching and support during community appointments and activities as needed
• Assist individuals in accessing and maintaining stable housing and reasonable accommodations
• Engage families, friends, and significant others to strengthen healthy relationships and natural support networks
• Advocate on behalf of individuals to obtain and maintain housing, healthcare benefits, employment, and entitlements
• Identify barriers to recovery and develop strategies to overcome them
• Promote awareness of mental health, HIV, and co-occurring disorders while addressing stigma and misconceptions
• Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to collaborative care planning
• Maintain ongoing contact with individuals who are absent, disengaged, transitioning from services, or experiencing crisis situations
• Stay connected with program graduates and alumni to encourage mentoring and ongoing recovery
• Complete required trainings, participate in supervision, maintain timely and accurate documentation, and provide 24/7 on-call emergency beeper coverage on a rotating basis

Employees are eligible for generous benefit options including but not limited to:

Full-time and Part-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, life and disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, and additional voluntary options such as disability, accident, and pet insurance.

Requirements

Recovery Counselor Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED with 2-year experience in human services which 1 year of mental health direct care service. OR
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certificate and 1 additional year paid or volunteer work experience in mental health direct service. OR
• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree with 1-year of experience in mental health direct service.
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certificate is required.
• Lived experience in recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges
• Experience working in mental health, substance use, or community-based programs
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care
• Prior experience in peer support, recovery services, or behavioral health
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with strong reading and writing skills, is required

About COMHAR:

COMHAR is a nonprofit human-services organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives. Our mission is: “To provide health and human services that empower individuals, families and communities to live healthier, self-determined lives.” Serving the Philadelphia region since 1975, COMHAR provides a wide continuum of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, substance use, and social support services. With programs that include outpatient treatment, residential services, community-based recovery centers, supportive housing, and specialized services for children, families, and diverse populations, COMHAR delivers person-centered care rooted in dignity, respect, and community integration. Today, COMHAR’s team supports more than 5,500 people each month, helping individuals build stability, independence, and meaningful connections in their communities. COMHAR strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

COMHAR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug‑free workplace. COMHAR, Inc. is a not‑for‑profit community‑based health and human service organization founded in 1975. We do not discriminate in services or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, past or present receipt of disability‑related services or supports, marital status, veteran status, or any other class of persons protected by federal, state or local law.