Recovery Support Specialist - FT 40 hrs. Monday to Friday 4PM -12AM ISLP in New Haven, Connecticut at CONTINUUM OF CARE INC

FT 40 hours - Monday to Friday 4PM to 12AM
Program: ISLP

Scope of Service: Through lived experience, the Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) serves as a valuable member of the team, providing comprehensive, community-based recovery support services to individuals with mental health, intellectual, and substance use needs. The RSS uses person-centered, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches to deliver hands-on skill-building and recovery-oriented interventions that promote engagement, wellness, independence, social interaction, and overall well-being. The RSS also fosters hope, supports self-advocacy, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, effective care. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Client Care:
• Establishes respectful, trusting relationships with individuals while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Uses lived experience to provide mentorship, encouragement, and role modeling that support individuals in building meaningful lives in the community while strengthening personal skills and resilience.
• Provides face-to-face, hands-on peer support to assist individuals in maintaining successful community living.
• Supports individuals in identifying and building on their strengths to enhance recovery, social connection, self-advocacy, and natural supports.
• Engages individuals in supportive conversations that encourage problem-solving, wellness, and recovery-focused decision-making.
• Accompanies and supports individuals in attending medical, social, wellness, and community-based appointments as part of their recovery journey.
• Collaborates with individuals and the care team in recovery planning and supports progress toward identified goals and aspirations.
• Assists individuals in accessing community resources, navigating transportation, and strengthening community connections.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates recovery-oriented or psychoeducational groups as assigned.
• Supports individuals in maintaining safe and healthy living environments, including participating in periodic apartment or house checks as appropriate.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and relevant community meetings to support coordinated care.
• Attends and participates in required staff meetings and supervision.

Environmental Responsibilities
• Maintains a clean, well-organized work environment.
• Ensures all program egresses and walkways are clear to support workplace safety.
• Notifies supervisor of maintenance and/or safety issues and generates work orders as needed.
• Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills, and reviews the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in agency policy.
• Participates in Food Bank activities as assigned.
• Completes other designated environmental tasks as assigned.

Quality Assurance – Chart Documentation and Professional Development:
• Consistently adheres to all policies, procedures, and expectations outlined in the staff handbook and program operations manual.
• Maintains respectful, cooperative, and professional conduct.
• Complies with HIPAA and secures proper release forms for external communication.
• Demonstrates cultural competence with clients, families, providers, and staff.
• Maintains accurate electronic records in line with all agency and regulatory requirements.
• Follows Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and other regulatory standards.
• Participates in agency committees when appropriate.
• Completes all required trainings per contract and agency policy.
• Attends in-services, trainings, and conferences to support ongoing professional development

QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or GED required, with a minimum of six (6) months of experience in a related human services field.
• RSS positions require certification as a Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP), which may be considered in lieu of prior experience. Candidates who do not already hold the Connecticut Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential must obtain it within six (6) months of hire.
• Experience providing services and support to individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs.
• First Aid/CPR certification required, or willingness to obtain upon hire; employees are responsible for maintaining certification.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Reliable transportation required in community case management positions.
• Basic computer proficiency required.
• Knowledge of community support systems and resources preferred.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts, as needed for 24-hour programs.

Company Benefits Include:
• Competitive Wages
• 401(k) - with company match up to 3.5%
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• FSA and Dependent Care Accounts
• Company-Sponsored Employee Assistance Program
• Company Sponsored Life, AD&D and LTD
• Colonial Supplemental Insurance
• Vacation, PTO & Sick time for eligible FT 40 & PT (20-39 hour)
Employees
• Connecticut Paid Sick Time for all employees up to 40 hours
a year
• 12 Company Holidays Paid at Double Time (hourly employees)