Recovery Support Specialist

ascensionrecovery; Cedar Falls (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Job summary

Renewal Falls Recovery Center in Cedar Falls, IA is seeking compassionate Recovery Support Specialists for our residential behavioral health program. You will work with clinical and recovery-support staff to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and support patients through daily routines and treatment activities.

The role emphasizes compassionate care, safety, and adherence to privacy and professional boundaries.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preference for experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare or related fields.
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, support, and encouragement to patients throughout the treatment day.
• Maintain a safe, structured, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.
• Conduct required patient observations and safety rounds accurately and on schedule.
• Document observations, patient behaviors, incidents, and other required information accurately and timely.
• Assist patients with daily routines, schedules, activities, meals, and program expectations.
• Support patient participation in treatment programming, recovery activities, and community meetings.
• Reinforce healthy coping skills, personal responsibility, boundaries, and recovery-oriented behaviors.

Skills

Compassionate

Dependable

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (preferred)

Job description

Recovery Support Specialist

Renewal Falls Recovery Center

Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa Employment Type: Full-Time | Hourly Schedule: Day, and Night Shift Opportunities Available

JOIN A MISSION THAT CHANGES LIVES!

At Renewal Falls Recovery Center, we believe recovery is possible — and that the right team can help change the trajectory of a person’s life.

We are seeking compassionate, dependable Recovery Support Specialists to join our residential behavioral health team in Cedar Falls. BHTs are an essential part of the treatment environment, providing day-to-day support, supervision, encouragement, and structure to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

This is more than a monitoring role. You will help create the safe, respectful, recovery-focused environment that allows people to begin rebuilding their lives.

About Us

Renewal Falls Recovery Center provides person-centered behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment in a structured residential setting.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Compassionate, trauma-informed care
• Safety and accountability
• Individualized treatment
• Multiple pathways to recovery
• Strong professional boundaries
• Team-based, interdisciplinary care
• Respect for every individual we serve

Why You Should Join Us

You will join a growing organization committed to expanding access to high-quality behavioral health and addiction treatment.

We offer:

• Meaningful work with a direct impact on patients and families
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Structured onboarding and training
• Opportunities for professional growthMedical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities to build a career in behavioral health and addiction treatment

What You’ll Do

As a Recovery Support Specialist, you will work closely with clinical, medical, and recovery-support staff to maintain a safe, therapeutic residential environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide direct supervision, support, and encouragement to patients throughout the treatment day.
• Maintain a safe, structured, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.
• Conduct required patient observations and safety rounds accurately and on schedule.
• Document observations, patient behaviors, incidents, and other required information accurately and timely.
• Assist patients with daily routines, schedules, activities, meals, and program expectations.
• Support patient participation in treatment programming, recovery activities, and community meetings.
• Reinforce healthy coping skills, personal responsibility, appropriate boundaries, and recovery-oriented behaviors.
• Recognize changes in patient behavior, mood, physical condition, or safety risk and promptly communicate concerns to appropriate clinical or medical staff.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, room assignments, patient belongings, and orientation to the facility as assigned.
• Complete searches, safety checks, and other monitoring activities in accordance with facility policy.
• Support de-escalation and crisis-prevention efforts using approved techniques.
• Respond appropriately during medical, behavioral, or facility emergencies.
• Maintain professional boundaries with current and former patients at all times.
• Protect patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational policy.
• Participate in shift reports, team meetings, training, and competency requirements.
• Maintain accurate communication with incoming and outgoing staff to promote continuity of care.
• Assist with maintaining clean, organized, and safe patient areas.
• Follow all facility policies, procedures, infection-control practices, safety requirements, and standards of conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and facility operations.

Who You Are

The strongest candidates are compassionate people who can balance empathy with accountability.

You are someone who:

• Treats individuals with dignity and respect
• Remains calm during stressful or emotionally charged situations
• Understands the importance of consistency and professional boundaries
• Communicates clearly and works well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Can redirect behavior respectfully and appropriately
• Takes patient safety seriously
• Understands that accurate documentation and observations are essential components of care
• Believes individuals can recover and build meaningful lives

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, human services, residential care, corrections, recovery support, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use disorders or mental health conditions strongly preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to complete required training, competency assessments, CPR/First Aid, crisis-prevention training, and other facility-required education.
• Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on assigned duties.
• Must demonstrate dependable attendance, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively in a 24/7 residential treatment environment.
• Preferred: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position works in a residential behavioral health treatment environment and involves regular interaction with patients who may be experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health symptoms, withdrawal-related concerns, or other challenges associated with early recovery.

The position may require:

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Frequent movement throughout the facility
• Bending, reaching, and climbing stairs
• Responding quickly to patient or facility emergencies
• Assisting with patient safety interventions when appropriately trained
• Working evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays based on facility staffing needs

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Renewal Falls Recovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.