Recovery Associate - Men's NYC Programs

Release Recovery; New York (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits for full-time

Overtime eligible

Competitive hourly rate

Job summary

Release Recovery in New York City is seeking a Recovery Associate to support men’s transitional living programs. You will be a consistent presence, uphold safety and boundaries, and provide compassionate client care as individuals navigate substance use and mental health challenges.

Responsibilities include safety compliance, daily program operations, community engagement, and team support. A strong interpersonal focus, empathy, and the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays are

Qualifications

• Background in recovery or behavioral health preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and empathy in client care.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and safety.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Administer safety protocols and maintain compliance within the residence.
• Facilitate daily schedules, programming, and client check-ins/check-outs.
• Engage residents in community activities while upholding boundaries.
• Support admissions, transitions, and team collaboration during crises.
• Attend staff meetings and contribute to ongoing training and standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Emotional intelligence

Communication (verbal)

Boundary setting

Crisis management

Job description

Release Recovery is excited to be growing our team for our Men's transitional living programs in New York City. The Recovery Associate plays a foundational role in the day-to-day operations and culture of Release Recovery’s Men's Transitional Living Program. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about recovery, mental health, and direct client care. As a Recovery Associate, you will serve as a consistent presence and trusted support for clients navigating substance use and mental health challenges.

This role requires professionalism, emotional intelligence, strong boundaries, and a commitment to upholding safety, structure, and community within the residence. Whether through administering safety protocols or offering a supportive conversation, Associates ensure that each client is met with compassion and accountability throughout their recovery journey.

Founded in 2017 by Zac Clark and Matthew Rinklin, Release Recovery is a leading provider of transitional living, outpatient treatment, and recovery support services for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. With programs throughout New York City and Westchester County, we are committed to offering compassionate, structured, and evidence-based care that empowers individuals and families to heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Administer drug and BAC testing in accordance with program protocols.
• Conduct room searches and monitor for contraband with professionalism and respect.
• Adhere to medication management procedures and report non-compliance immediately.
• Respond calmly and effectively in crises, including activation of protocols and emergency services when necessary.

Daily Program Operations

• Maintain structure within the home by facilitating daily schedules, programming, and client check-ins and check-outs.
• Monitor client attendance and engagement in clinical and community programming.
• Support new admissions and transitions, helping clients integrate into the community.

Community Engagement & Client Interaction

• Foster a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all residents.
• Serve as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, positive peer behavior, and healthy communication at all times.
• Engage clients through conversation, activities, and appropriate support, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Participate in group activities and contribute to a strong community culture.

Flexibility & Team Support

• Remain adaptable to shifting priorities and step in to support colleagues during crises or staffing shortages.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and ongoing training opportunities.
• Uphold facility standards in cleanliness, order, and presentation.

• Previous experience in recovery or behavioral health settings is preferred.
• Knowledge of substance use, mental health, or peer recovery support.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to navigate sensitive conversations with professionalism and empathy
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Joining our team means being part of something truly revolutionary. We’re on a mission to flip the script on how the world views and treats Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness. At Release, recovery isn’t about what you give up - it’s all about what you gain.

When you join our team, you’ll be:

• Working alongside thought leaders in the recovery space
• Making a direct impact on individuals and families
• Enjoying a competitive rate of $19/hour base, overtime-eligible
• Health benefits for full-time employees (health, dental, vision)

We believe that recovery is a journey, not a destination - and we want you to be a part of shaping that journey for others.