The Recovery Support Specialist provides direct support to individuals in behavioral health crises by facilitating recovery groups and serving as an advocate throughout the treatment process. They work within a multi-disciplinary team to document encounters and implement trauma-informed care to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a High School Diploma or equivalent and be a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. The role requires passing multiple state background checks and the ability to perform physical interventions and lift up to 50 lbs.
high schoolprofessional certificateRecovery supportCrisis interventionPatient advocacyMotivational interviewingTrauma informed careBehavioral healthSubstance use treatmentElectronic health record documentationPeer supportHarm reductionCommunity resource coordinationVerbal de-escalation
Job description
We’re not just behavioral health people—we’re crisis people.
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 (RSS) provides individuals with the natural supports proven instrumental in maintaining a strong and successful recovery. The RSS will demonstrate a strong personal recovery and be a positive example that recovery is a desirable and attainable goal. The RSS works in conjunction with multiple disciplines to meet individual’s treatment and recovery needs.
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program
Basic life insurance
Company holidays
Accident insurance
Critical illness insurance
AD&D insurance
Health savings accounts
401k company match
Hospital indemnity
Acts as an active facilitator (or co-facilitator) in groups and individual recovery. Serves as an individual advocate and support resource throughout the treatment process.
Works to lessen the instance of seclusion (if applicable) and restraint by building therapeutic alliance and exercising trauma informed care.
Demonstrates knowledge of community resources to help meet individual’s unique recovery needs. Implements knowledge of multiple paths of recovery and promotes them equally.
Works cohesively with multi-discipline team through all aspects of individual’s treatment and recovery.
Documents all encounters with individuals in the electronic health record.
Encourages and supports from a place of experience and understanding and willing to use appropriate self-disclosure.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
What You'll Bring
High School Diploma or equivalent
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Registered with VA Board of Counseling and maintains registration throughout employment
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
Behavioral Health/Substance Use Treatment or GMH Recovery experience.
Completion of specialized peer certifications (WHAM, ASIST, etc.)
Knowledge of evidence-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.
#INDVA
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.
