Recovery Support Specialist

UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Recovery Support Specialist to provide essential peer recovery support services to individuals with substance use disorders. In this impactful role, you will bridge the gap between various treatment systems, assist patients in navigating their recovery journeys, and serve as a motivating ally and advocate. Your expertise will help patients access vital resources and maintain their recovery, all while fostering a supportive community environment. Join a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in sustained recovery with a current certification as a Recovery Coach.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with experience in medical settings.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates connections between patients and recovery resources, ensuring access to treatment.
• Provides peer counseling and support to help patients achieve their recovery goals.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Facilitation Skills

Leadership Skills

Motivational Strategies

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Certification as a Recovery Coach or Peer Specialist

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Position Summary

The Recovery Support Specialist provides peer recovery support services to patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and will assist patients in achieving sustained recovery. Facilitates patient access to recovery-oriented substance use disorder treatment, resources, and community recovery groups. Bridges the segregated treatment system into a more holistic care model through providing support across multiple systems of care. Maintains ongoing patient support regardless of client relapse and will serve as a motivator, ally, role model, problem-solver, and advocate for patients with substance use disorders. Possesses a thorough understanding of community culture to address barriers to successful recovery, better tailor health messages, and provide links to community resources and treatment options.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a liaison between the recovery community, the addiction treatment system, the medical treatment system, and the patient's community, family, and social context to facilitate connections across systems of care.
• Engages with patients identified with SUD referred by UMMS.
• Meets with patients with SUD prior to discharge and facilitates patient access to the next stage of treatment. Conducts initial needs assessment, reviews the patient's SUD history, and identifies the patient's goals and expectations together with clinical staff, facilitating referrals to appropriate disposition options for individual patients.
• Works collaboratively with the treatment team to implement evidence-based services to patients with SUD.
• Helps patients navigate the healthcare and social service systems; accompanies patients to appointments and meetings as needed.
• Provides transportation to clients to attend meetings and appointments as needed.
• Educates patients about addiction and utilizes motivational enhancement techniques to explore ambiguity and encourage treatment.
• Provides peer counseling and supports patients in establishing treatment goals and maintaining recovery.
• Addresses barriers to successful recovery and serves as a role model and advocate.
• Conducts active outreach to encourage attendance and participation in recovery-oriented, self-help, and pro-social groups.
• Assists with access to treatment for SUD and co-occurring conditions, creating systems to rapidly identify treatment needs and determine appropriate levels of care.
• Assists with data collection for quality assurance and program evaluation.
• Develops relapse prevention/intervention plans with patients and the care team.
• Monitors patients' progress and evaluates outcomes using a patient tracking system.
• Facilitates communication between the patient, PCP, psychiatrist, and external providers, maintaining confidentiality and boundaries.
• Maintains accurate records and reviews caseload weekly with the supervisor, focusing on new and at-risk patients.

Required Qualifications

• Current Certification as a Recovery Coach or Peer Specialist.
• Minimum of 3 years in sustained recovery.
• Reliable transportation and comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community services, resources, and recovery communities.
• Comfort with multiple recovery pathways and a patient-centered approach.
• Experience working in medical and social service settings.
• Clinical skills in motivational strategies.
• Ability to provide feedback without judgment.
• Flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to handle confidential information.

Additional Information

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.