Recovery Support Specialist

Milestone Treatment; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Milestone Addiction Treatment is seeking a dependable Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) to assist individuals in treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. The RSS monitors safety, provides day‑to‑day support, and helps maintain a calm, respectful, and structured environment.

This hands‑on position requires strong communication, boundary setting, and documentation skills. Roles include admissions support, crisis response, medication observation, and collaboration with a

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities are essential.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging moments.
• Experience with HIPAA, confidentiality and client privacy requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor client safety and well‑being throughout the treatment environment.
• Provide day‑to‑day support, structure, and encouragement to clients in recovery.
• Recognize behaviors and warning signs associated with substance use, relapse, and recovery.
• Assist with client admissions and intake paperwork.
• Support clients considering leaving treatment against medical advice and follow intervention procedures.
• Observe medication administration per policies and procedures.
• Conduct scheduled and random drug screenings and breathalyzer testing.
• Perform routine room searches, safety checks, and audits.
• Respond calmly to crisis situations and safety issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client activity, incidents, and progress.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, structured environment for clients and staff.
• Transport clients as needed and follow safety procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality while working with clients.
• Follow HIPAA, state, federal, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with clinical and operational teams to support continuity of care.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Rapport building

Boundaries and confidentiality

Observation and documentation

Organizational skills

Job description

Recovery Support Specialist (RSS)

Milestone Addiction Treatment is seeking a dependable and compassionate Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) to support individuals receiving treatment for substance use and mental health conditions.

The RSS plays an important role in the daily treatment environment by monitoring client safety, supporting recovery, maintaining structure, and assisting clients throughout their treatment experience. This is a hands‑on position for someone who can build rapport with clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

At Milestone, we believe every individual deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Our team provides evidence‑based care designed to help clients achieve meaningful and lasting recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor client safety and well‑being throughout the treatment environment.

• Provide day‑to‑day support, structure, and encouragement to clients in recovery.

• Recognize behaviors and warning signs associated with substance use, relapse, and recovery.

• Assist with client admissions and intake paperwork.

• Support clients who are considering leaving treatment against medical advice (AMA) and follow established intervention procedures.

• Observe medication administration in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Conduct scheduled and randomized drug screenings and breathalyzer testing.

• Perform routine room searches, safety checks, and audits as required.

• Respond calmly and appropriately to crisis situations, behavioral concerns, and safety issues.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client activity, incidents, and progress.

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and structured environment for clients and staff.

• Transport clients as needed and follow all organizational transportation and safety procedures.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality while working closely with clients.

• Follow all applicable HIPAA, state, federal, and organizational policies.

• Collaborate with clinical and operational team members to support continuity of care.

• Complete additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Experience or education in behavioral health, substance use treatment, mental health, human services, special education, or a related field is preferred.

• Previous experience working with individuals in recovery or behavioral health treatment is a plus.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-pressure situations.

• Ability to establish rapport with clients while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

• Strong observation, documentation, and organizational skills.

• Understanding of HIPAA, confidentiality, and client privacy requirements.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Must meet Milestone's driving and transportation requirements for the position.

• Scheduling flexibility, including the ability to work assigned day, evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts as needed.

What We're Looking For

Successful RSS team members are reliable, consistent, adaptable, and comfortable working directly with clients during challenging moments. They understand that supporting recovery requires compassion while also maintaining structure, accountability, and professional boundaries.

Benefits

• Health insurance

• 401(k)

• Paid time off

Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person

Join Milestone Addiction Treatment and become part of a team committed to helping individuals build healthier, more stable lives through compassionate and structured recovery support.