Recovery Support Specialist

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join our hospital’s team!

ABOUT US

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a healthcare agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

THE POSITION:

We are currently recruiting a passionate and bilingual Recovery Support Specialist to join our team within Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) in Bridgeport.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• SCHEDULE: Part-Time (32 Hour), Monday - Thursday, First Shift (8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.)
• FACILITY: Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS)
• DIVISION: Recovery Support Unit
• ADDRESS: 1635 Central Ave, Bridgeport
• PCN: 143249

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!

• The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance!

• Benefit offerings will vary with part-time positions.

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals;
• Provide support that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
• Assist our clients so they can achieve success;
• Make a difference in the public sector; and
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

OUR MISSION:

The vision of the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System is to provide high quality, compassionate and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to adults with behavioral health disorders who are indigent.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

In this role as a Bilingual Recovery Support Specialist, you will support individuals so that they can achieve individualized goals for successful community living. Other roles include sharing life experiences and recovery management techniques in the person's native language to engage, motivate, educate and mentor clients in achieving success.

• A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
• All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

Start with us. Stay with us. Grow with us.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

• Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!

• To Apply:

• In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
• All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plan using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools;
• Supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in their recovery plan (i.e., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports);
• Guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights;
• Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals;
• Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration;
• Provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families;
• Acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have, or are at risk for, co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities;
• Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness;
• Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs;
• Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress;
• Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity;
• Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities;
• Organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level;
• Observes and reports clients’ behavior;
• Prepares and submits incident or other related forms;
• Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required;
• Enters computerized data as required;
• May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication;
• May provide outreach and transportation;
• Performs related duties as required.

INPATIENT SETTINGS:

• Accompanies clients off the unit and on to the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation;
• Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community;
• May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of community support systems and resources;
• Considerable interpersonal skills;
• Ability to observe and redirect client behavior;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

Six (6) months of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual Spanish/English.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Experience using shared life experience to engage and motivate clients.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
• Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.