Provide recovery support, education, and mentoring to clients impacted by addiction to help them achieve recovery goals. Facilitate linkages to community resources and conduct toxicology screenings and mental health screenings at DCF offices.
Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life.
The Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) is an individual who either is in direct sustained recovery, or who has been directly impacted by addiction. Using a motivational approach, the RSS will assist clients with linking to the appropriate recovery service based on identified need. In addition, the RSS will use an evidenced based model to provide ongoing support to clients who’ve received recovery services. Receive training and extensive supervision. Services may be delivered in community, office settings, and regional DCF offices. Bilingual in Spanish and English required! Bilingual stipend $2,288 yearly Rate $22 Cost of living stipend $4,160 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related human services field will be preferred. Experience working in the substance use recovery field and/or lived recovery experience is required. Must be able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate individual parent/caregivers needs and in order to respond to a crisis situation, as is required by the model. Valid Drivers License is required. Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs LOCATION Norwalk, CT SCHEDULE Full time EMPLOYEE BENEFITS At Wheeler, we're committed to not only supporting your career growth but also ensuring your well-being and security. Here's how we invest in you: Nurture Your Health: Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company Fuel Your Career Growth: Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program Access training and development opportunities, including supervision towards licensure Qualify for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment programs Receive a productivity incentive to recognize your hard work and dedication Get reimbursed for licensure/certification expenses Maintain Work-Life Harmony: Recharge with generous paid time off, including: 15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge 8 sick days per year for your well-being 2 personal days per year for your personal needs 2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you 9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide education on addiction recovery and facilitate linkages to these services. Provide toxicology screens and SBIRT immediately upon referral during the agreed upon hours they are at each DCF Area Office. Toxicology screens will be conducted utilizing quick read cups or a breathalyzer. The recovery support specialist can also conduct hair sample screens, as requested by DCF. Utilize the GAIN Short Screener (GAIN-SS) to screen for mental health, substance use disorder, and crime/violence. Provide RMC for clients for up to six months following discharge from substance use treatment. RMC will include frequent check-ins in person (at clients’ homes, in the community, at DCF), over the phone, and by text. Initially the recovery support specialists will contact clients on a weekly basis to check-in. The frequency of contact will decrease as clients strengthen their recovery capital. Throughout all contacts, the recovery support specialists will provide mentoring and will serve as a role model providing hope that recovery is possible. Recovery support specialists will be available to provide initial RMC check-ins with new clients within one day of discharge from treatment. This will increase engagement and ensure that clients know they have a peer resource who is there to support them in achieving their recovery goals. Proactively connect clients to local recovery resources and supports and will seek to identify concerns or relapse early and re-engage clients in treatment services, as needed. Assist clients with ensuring they are following their child safety plans. Provide recovery education to service recipients for every phase of recovery. Assists in professional training, outreach, and public education services as assigned. This may include professional conferences, workshops and training for behavioral health agencies. May represent the agency at community forums or serve on inter-organizational committees as directed. Documentation of clinical activities in client record as required by Wheeler Clinic. Actively identify and support linkages to community resources (communities of recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual resources, mutual self- help groups, professional services, etc.) that support the recovering person’s goals and interests. This will involve a collaborative effort including the recovering person, agency staff and other relevant stakeholders. Assist recovering persons to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery. RSS will assume responsibility for coordinating the provision of services by other community professionals. Refer to licensed substance use provider pursuant to the screen results and parent/caregiver agreement. Provide reports on SBIRT findings to the parent/caregiver and DCF. Parents/caregivers who test positive in a drug test and contest the results will be referred to a licensed substance use provider for a full evaluation. Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture. Wheeler Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Requires lived recovery experience or professional experience in the substance use recovery field and fluency in both Spanish and English. A bachelor's degree in psychology or social work is preferred, and a valid driver's license is mandatory.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Connecticut often draw steady demand from community providers, schools, and outpatient programs serving clients with ongoing support needs. These roles can be competitive because employers commonly look for reliable scheduling, documentation skills, and practical requirements such as a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, access to an insured vehicle, and completed clearances. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm travel expectations and required verifications before applying.