RECOVERY SPECIALIST

GRANT SUMMARY

The goal of ARC is to address the opioid overdose crisis in the Tribal community of the Fairbanks North Star Borough of Alaska (FNSB). The ARC will increase access to medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD) and add Recovery Coaching to its existing opioid and recovery continuum of care for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).

POSITION SUMMARY

The Recovery Specialist provides essential peer-based support and operational coordination for Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) individuals seeking to initiate, stabilize, and sustain long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Utilizing culturally responsive, strengths-based, and evidence-informed approaches, this position assists consumers in identifying recovery support services, developing personalized recovery plans, and navigating transitions across the continuum of care.

Recovery Specialist bridges direct client support with programmatic operations by assisting program leadership with day-to-day coordination, maintaining data integrity within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and compiling necessary grant compliance reports.

JOB DUTIES

• Oversee day-to-day operations of assigned responsibilities; assist the Project Director, Clinical Supervisor, or program leadership with operational support within the scope of duties.
• Prepares and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual programmatic reports in a timely and accurate manner. Ensures strict adherence to all grant data collection requirements.
• Enters accurate, timely data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Maintains comprehensive documentation and billing records in compliance with program, grant, behavioral health, and reimbursement requirements.
• Supports consumers throughout the entire continuum of care, including screening, assessment, treatment engagement, residential treatment transitions, outpatient services, Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), and post-treatment follow-up.
• Collaborates with consumers, treatment counselors, SUD counselors, peer support staff, and clinical teams to develop individualized recovery support, aftercare, transition, and community reintegration plans.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates peer recovery support services, talking circles, culturally responsive activities, and recovery-focused groups under appropriate supervision and within the established scope of practice.
• Carries a dedicated caseload of up to ten (10) consumers. Provides mentoring, encouragement, and advocacy throughout the consumer's treatment journey while promoting hope and self-determination.
• Maintains active involvement with consumers during residential treatment by remaining connected and participating in peer activities, group collaborations, and cultural programming to ease transitions from the Recovery Home.
• Coordinates linkages to vital community resources, including housing, recovery housing, transportation, healthcare, employment resources, and culturally specific behavioral health care.
• Supports increased access to Naloxone resources, MOUD education, and healthy community/family support networks to strengthen long-term recovery outcomes.
• Maintains strict consumer confidentiality in accordance with 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA regulations. Adheres to applicable residential program regulations, licensing requirements, and organizational policies.
• Attends mandatory position training regarding behavioral health risk factors as designated by the Project Director or Clinical Supervisor. Participates in all required staff meetings and performs other job-related duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of and sensitivity to diverse cultures, traditional values, and lifestyles, with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native populations.
• Knowledge of how to best assist and de-escalate individuals who may become overwhelmed or unstable during intake, data collection, or service delivery.
• Ability to effectively leverage personal lived experience with addiction, homelessness, or mental health systems to motivate consumers while maintaining professional staff-client boundaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel with the ability to accurately format reports, manage spreadsheets, navigate EHR software, and interpret basic billing procedures.
• Strong skill in managing multiple priorities, case files, and administrative data deadlines concurrently.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative, respectful working relationships with clinical teams, community partners, and fellow staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. (An associate or bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field is preferred and may substitute for a portion of the required work experience).
• Lived Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of clean, stable, and sustained personal recovery/sobriety from substance use disorder and/or personal experience successfully navigating co-occurring mental health challenges.
• Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing direct behavioral health support, peer navigation, or culturally specific services, preferably working with the AN/AI population. Experience documenting inside an EHR or tracking grant metrics is highly desirable.
• Certification: Must hold an active Peer Support Certification through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC) or possess the documented hours/eligibility to obtain Alaska Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Compliance Clearance: Ability to pass a State of Alaska Background Check Review (BCU) and comply with all organizational health and safety clearances.