Recovery Coach

Woodbridge Township; Port Reading (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodbridge Township is seeking a Recovery Coach to support individuals on their path to lasting recovery. You will provide guidance, encouragement, and practical resources while collaborating with healthcare and community partners to tailor plans to each client’s needs.

The role focuses on building trust, developing coping strategies, and navigating barriers to independence. Strong communication, empathy, and a commitment to reducing stigma are essential, with regular follow-ups and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of addiction, recovery, and community resources.
• One year in recovery, mental health, or social services settings.
• Personal experience with SUD or family experience encouraged.
• Ability to maintain communication after initial visit.
• CPRS training completed prior to hire; 500 hours experience may be in progress.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Familiar with Woodbridge Township and NJ recovery networks.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive, non-judgmental relationships to encourage engagement.
• Assist clients in identifying recovery goals and action plans.
• Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation, and practical help.
• Connect clients with housing, treatment, employment, and peer support.
• Monitor progress and adjust coaching strategies for sustained recovery.
• Conduct outreach to raise awareness and reduce stigma in the community.
• Coordinate follow-ups with Blue Cares Court participants for 6+ months.
• Follow up on overdose calls for 8–12 weeks and document weekly.
• Attend Woodbridge Addiction Recovery staff meetings monthly.
• Respond to overdose events within one hour when called to hospital.

Skills

Active listening

Empathy

Communication skills

Case management

Driving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field

Tools

CPRS Training

Job description

The Recovery Coach plays a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey to overcome substance use disorders and related challenges. This position focuses on providing personalized guidance, encouragement, and resources to help clients achieve and maintain long-term recovery and improved quality of life. The Recovery Coach collaborates closely with healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to create a comprehensive support network tailored to each client's unique needs. By fostering trust and empowerment, the coach helps clients develop coping strategies, set achievable goals, and navigate barriers to recovery. Ultimately, this role contributes to the overall well-being and sustained independence of individuals in recovery within the Woodbridge Township community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of addiction, recovery processes, and community resources.
• One year working a Recovery, mental health, or social services settings.
• Experience with substance use disorder in their lives, whether it was the individual or a family member.
• The ability to continue communication with the recoveree after the first initial visit.
• CPRS Training: Must have successfully completed the required Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) training prior to hire. Candidates who have completed the training but are still working toward completing the required 500 hours of peer recovery support experience may be considered.
• Driving Requirements: Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel to hospitals, community locations, and other assigned locations as needed.
• Familiarity with local Woodbridge Township and New Jersey recovery support networks.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain supportive, non-judgmental relationships with clients to encourage engagement in recovery activities.
• Assist clients in identifying personal recovery goals and developing individualized action plans.
• Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation, and practical assistance to help clients overcome obstacles.
• Connect clients with community resources such as treatment programs, housing, employment services, and peer support groups.
• Monitor client progress and adjust coaching strategies as needed to promote sustained recovery.
• Conduct outreach and education to raise awareness about recovery services and reduce stigma within the community.
• Must be available to work with the Blue Cares Court participants and be able to follow up with the clients for 6 months or more and document the follow ups weekly
• Must be available to follow up with the overdose calls for 8 to 12 weeks and document the follow ups weekly
• Must attend the Woodbridge Addiction Recovery Staff meeting on a monthly basis or as scheduled.
• When called to an overdose for the hospital you have one hour within the call to show up at the hospital and speak to the recoveree.

Skills:

The Recovery Coach utilizes strong interpersonal and communication skills daily to build trust and rapport with clients, enabling effective support and motivation. Active listening and empathy are essential for understanding client needs and challenges, while problem-solving skills help in developing practical recovery plans. Knowledge of community resources and networking skills allow the coach to connect clients with appropriate services efficiently. Organizational skills are important for maintaining accurate records and managing multiple client cases simultaneously. Additionally, adaptability and cultural sensitivity ensure that coaching approaches are personalized and respectful of each client's background and circumstances.