Recovery Support Specialist I: Roots to Recovery
Job Category: Direct Care
Requisition Number: RECOV006498
Posted: July 29, 2025
Full-Time
On-site
Roots to Recovery, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA
Description
A career can mean different things at different workplaces. Apply now to see what it means to us and what it's like to work somewhere your voice is heard, your wellness is a priority, and your success matters.
Job Title: Recovery Support Specialist
Employment Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week
Scheduled Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 8am-4:30pm, Thursday 11pm-7:30pm
Program/Location: Roots to Recovery, Willimantic
PC: 2596
About the Program: Roots to Recovery is an intermediate, 24/7 residential treatment for men in need of a structured environment to continue building upon their recovery skills. R2R is located in Willimantic. There are 14 beds and it is a 90 day maximum intermediate (3.5) residential substance abuse treatment program. Clients are referred from intensive treatment programs, emergency room staff and/or detox programs. Clients with co-occurring disorders and on Methadone maintenance are accepted. Clients cannot work during their stay but can start looking for work 3 weeks prior to program completion.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assists clients in identifying and advocating their own recovery goals.
- Utilizes appropriate program models, including motivational interventions by informing and educating on establishing or strengthening their own recovery strategies.
- Conducts program specific assessments and screens as indicated.
- Collaborates with those served to create individualized and person-centered treatment plans as indicated by program requirements.
- Conducts skills teaching to assist clients as needed.
- May provide crisis intervention or de-escalation as needed.
- Provides case management. Works in close collaboration with the client's natural supports and treatment teams. Connects to prosocial activities. Provides crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
- Participates in interventions to help reduce health care disparities, which may include screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) such as housing, medical insurance, food security and transportation to identify and then help resolve barriers to healthcare.
- Complies and shares knowledge of appropriate community resources and assists in linking clients to behavioral health and addiction follow up care, natural (family, friends) supports, community resources including LGBTQ+, Veteran's and/or other support groups in a culturally informed, strength-based manner.
- Provide follow-up engagement support including but not limited to brief recovery coaching, relapse prevention and safety planning support and inclusion of family involvement where appropriate.
- Maintains documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.
- Participates in staff meetings, supervision, training, and other meetings as assigned.
- Transports clients as required by program.
- Additional duties as required.
Qualifications
Education: Lived experience establishing and maintaining recovery from mental health or substance use condition(s) as required by position.
Experience: 2+ years working with identified populations and specifically as an RSS preferred. Self identifies as an individual with mental health and or substance use disorder in long term recovery.
Licensure/Certification/Registration: Recovery Support Specialist Certification from Advocacy Unlimited, Recovery Coach Certification from CCAR, or an equivalent certification related to the field of Recovery Support required or must be obtained within 6 months of hire. Valid Driver's License required. CPR & First Aid Certification required OR must obtain within 90 days of employment.
Why Join CHR?
Award-Winning Workplace:
- Proudly recognized as a Top Workplace for 11 consecutive years!
Generous Time Off:
- Enjoy ample paid time off, including a special day off for your birthday!
Retirement Savings:
- Benefit from contributions to your 403b Retirement Plan.
Comprehensive Insurance:
- Competitive premiums with added discounts on pet, auto, and home insurance!
Education & Tuition Support:
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
- Student loan repayment assistance (Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Nurse Corps, NHSC/HRSA at select sites).
- Exclusive tuition discounts for CHR employees at several local colleges/universities.
Career Development:
- FREE robust training curriculum, featuring our brand-new Clinical Training Series for interactive learning, practical skill enhancement, and professional growth!
- Clinical supervision and/or mentoring available at many programs.
- Internal career fairs: connect with recruiters to discuss your career aspirations and the various opportunities available within our over 80 programs statewide.
Wellness Program:
- Annual wellness stipend.
- FREE premium subscription to the Calm app, for employees and their families
- Fun activities like coloring contests, lunch & learns, office seasonal decorating contests, employee appreciation events, and more!
- Up to 6 FREE confidential counseling sessions per issue, per year, for individuals, couples, & families through our EAP program
Employee Involvement:
- Participate in leadership luncheons with our CEO and various agency committees!
Stay Informed:
- Weekly video updates from our CEO and monthly newsletters to keep you in the loop.
And So Much More:
- Many benefits are available to all staff, regardless of the hours worked, with some subject to eligibility.
Join us at CHR and be part of an exciting, supportive, and dynamic workplace where your growth and well-being are our top priorities!
Compensation*: $18.3818/hr minimum, and up commensurate upon experience.
Actual rates are determined at the time of offer and are based on relevant experience and internal equity, as well as, adherence to our internal equity policy. Many of our positions offer program/location differentials and/or sign-on incentives. (Please note, for part-time positions this range would be pro-rated based on hours worked)
CHR is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all to apply. Take the first step to a meaningful career and apply to CHR today!