Recovery Support Specialist I

SUMMARY

• The Recovery Support Specialist performs rehabilitation and support functions and assists in treatment.
• Activities may include crisis intervention under the clinical supervision of staff with professional degrees, client advocacy, prevention and education.
• The RSS provides substance abuse services, education, support and consultation to families.
• The RSS performs direction and coordinating support activities that promote good physical health; provides peer support services; serves as a client advocate; provides information and peer support for clients in emergency, outpatient or inpatient settings.
• The RSS performs a wide range of tasks to assist clients in regaining control of their lives and recovery processes.

• Essential functions and responsibilities
• Facilitates activities in nutrition, exercises managing physical health concerns
• Provides support regarding the effects that medication may have on physical health
• Assists clients in developing individual physical wellness plans and implementation assistance and support
• Teaches and mentors the value of every individual’s recovery experience
• Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
• Assists service recipients in articulating personal goals for recovery
• Assists in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups
• Supports clients in using a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
• Assists in creating a Safety Plan and Psychiatric Advanced Directive as needed
• Utilizes and teaches problem solving techniques with clients as well as how to identify and combat negative self-talk and fears
• Supports the vocational choices of clients and assist in overcoming job-related anxiety
• Assists in building social skills in the community that will enhance quality of life and support the development of natural support systems
• Attends treatment team and program development meetings to ensure the presence of the client voice and to promote the use of self-directed recovery tools
• Provides and advocates for effective recovery oriented services