Recovery Support Specialist - Training (RSS-T) (FT, PT, Pool/PRN)

Connections Health Solutions; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k employer match

PTO 160 hours+ annually

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Connections Health Solutions is seeking a Recovery Support Specialist – Training (RSS-T) to join our crisis care team in Virginia. You will participate in a structured training path while supporting youth and adults in developing wellness skills and connections with community resources.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will facilitate sessions, advocate for clients, and share your recovery experiences to inspire others, all within a structured program that leads toward CRS certification

Qualifications

• Completion of the DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training (or enrollment)
• A minimum of 1 year of personal recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or 1 year of experience supporting a loved one
• Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
• Agreement to adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques
• Company policy requires vaccination or approved exemption prior to start date
• State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance
• Must pass VA DBHDS background check
• Must pass VA DSS Office of Background Investigations Central Registry Search
• Must obtain State of Virginia Food Handlers Card
• Physical requirements: safely perform interventions and lift up to 50 lbs

Responsibilities

• Facilitate or co-facilitate group and individual recovery sessions, creating safe spaces for connection and growth.
• Advocate for individuals throughout their treatment, ensuring needs and perspectives are represented.
• Share personal recovery experiences to inspire and empower others.
• Promote trauma-informed care, reducing seclusion and restraint through strong therapeutic relationships.
• Build therapeutic alliance to lessen seclusion and restraint by trauma-informed care.
• Connect individuals to community resources supporting their recovery goals.
• Support multiple pathways to recovery, respecting each person’s chosen approach.
• Collaborate with a Multidisciplinary Team throughout all stages of care.
• Document all interactions in the EHR accurately and promptly.
• Provide encouragement through appropriate self-disclosure.
• Participate in required training, monthly meetings, and competency maintenance.
• Lead or support daily programming and group activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support recovery services.

Skills

Personal recovery experience

VA Board of Counseling registration

Trauma-informed care

Verbal de-escalation

Motivational Interviewing

Harm Reduction

Background check readiness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training

Job description

Recovery Support Specialist - Training (RSS-T) (FT, PT, Pool/PRN)

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery.

Founded by emergency room psychiatrists Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, our model is physician-led and data-driven, drawing upon more than 15 years of crisis care expertise. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, we’ve delivered invaluable treatment to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing crises. Our commitment remains consistent, to improve access, inspire hope, and provide the right support.

Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth.

We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side-by-side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission.

We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.

Earn More with Shift Differentials

Maximize your earnings with additional hourly pay:

• +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights
• +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights
• +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

What You'll Do:

The Recovery Support Specialist – Training (RSS-T) role is designed as a structured, hands-on learning path for individuals working toward full CRS certification. As an RSS-T, you’ll use your personal recovery journey to inspire hope, foster trust, and demonstrate that recovery is not only possible—but sustainable. Working alongside a Multidisciplinary Team, you’ll support both youth and adults in developing the skills, connections, and confidence needed for lasting wellness.

• Facilitate or co-facilitate group and individual recovery sessions, creating safe spaces for connection and growth.
• Advocate for individuals throughout their treatment, ensuring their needs and perspectives are represented.
• Share personal recovery experiences to inspire, motivate, and empower others.
• Promote trauma-informed care, helping to reduce seclusion and restraint through strong therapeutic relationships.
• Work to lessen the instance of seclusion (if applicable) and restraint by building therapeutic alliance and exercising trauma informed care.
• Connect individuals to community resources that support their unique recovery goals.
• Support and promote multiple pathways to recovery, respecting each person’s chosen approach.
• Collaborate closely with a Multidisciplinary Team throughout all stages of care.
• Document all interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) accurately and promptly.
• Provide encouragement and guidance through appropriate , thoughtful self-disclosure.
• Participate in required training, monthly meetings, and competency maintenance.
• Lead or support daily programming and group activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support recovery services.

We will provide up to 500 supervised hours toward the Virginia Board Peer Recovery Specialist Certification, giving you the structure, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to achieve your CRS credential.

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Completion of (or enrollment in) the DBDHS 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training
• A minimum of 1 (one) year of personal recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges, or 1 (one) year of experience as a family member supporting a loved one
• Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
• Agreement to adhere to the Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (VA DBHDS) background check
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Social Services (VA DSS) Office of Background Investigations - Central Registry Search
• Must be able to obtain a State of Virginia Food Handlers Card
• Physical Requirements
  • Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight)
  • Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
  • Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had:

• B ehavioral H ealth/Substance Use Treatment or GMH Recovery experience
• Three years or more of personal recovery desired
• Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, e tc. )
• Knowledge of e vidence-based /person-centered skillsets , such as Motivational Interviewing , Trauma Informed Care , Verbal De-escalation, Harm Reduction , and Person-centered language

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
• Company‑paid parental leave available to eligible employees

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance employer.

Actual compensation is based on relevant experience, education, internal equity, and budget.

$20 - $21 USD

EEO Statement

Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.