Certified Recovery Specialist

Certified Recovery Specialist

At Project HOME, every role contributes to our mission of empowering individuals to achieve stability, wellness, and self-determination. As a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), you'll use your lived experience in substance use recovery to provide person-centered, strengths-based peer support to individuals receiving services.

Working from a recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approach, you'll serve as a mentor, advocate, and role model while helping participants identify goals, strengthen coping skills, access resources, and build meaningful connections within the community.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about recovery, committed to helping others, and motivated to create lasting positive change.

Location: Philly Home at Girard - 2100 W. Girard Ave. 19130

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Compensation: $19.68/hour

What You'll Do

Provide Peer Recovery Support

• Use personal lived experience to inspire hope and support individuals in their recovery journey.
• Assist participants in developing goal plans and individualized recovery objectives.
• Help individuals identify strengths, overcome barriers, and actively participate in recovery planning.
• Encourage self-advocacy, self-determination, and informed decision-making.

Facilitate Recovery-Focused Programming

• Facilitate recovery groups, workshops, and peer-led activities.
• Support participants in developing practical recovery and wellness skills.
• Create opportunities for discussion, learning, and peer connection.
• Promote a culture of recovery, empowerment, and mutual support.

Advocate & Connect Participants to Resources

• Help participants access housing, employment, education, transportation, healthcare, and community resources.
• Serve as an advocate for individuals navigating complex service systems.
• Support participants in building natural supports and healthy community connections.
• Coordinate referrals to appropriate programs and services when needed.

Provide Crisis Support & Recovery Coaching

• Offer crisis intervention and conflict resolution support when necessary.
• Help participants identify triggers and develop coping strategies.
• Provide encouragement and practical guidance through shared recovery experience.
• Maintain supportive relationships with participants through all stages of recovery.

Support Community Integration

• Accompany participants to appointments, recovery meetings, community events, and other supportive activities.
• Assist individuals in developing external support networks and community connections.
• Support individuals transitioning into greater independence and stability.
• Conduct follow-up activities with discharged participants to support continued recovery success.

Documentation & Team Collaboration

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency, billing, and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with case managers, therapists, healthcare providers, and other members of the care team.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, community meetings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain Certified Recovery Specialist credentials and continuing education requirements.

What You'll Need

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Certification

• Current Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) Certification through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) required.

Experience

• Must identify as having lived experience with a substance use disorder and be in a stable stage of recovery that allows for positive peer support.
• Experience supporting individuals in recovery, behavioral health programs, supportive housing, or community-based services preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and group facilitation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Philadelphia's behavioral health, substance use, housing, and recovery support systems.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer proficiency and ability to complete electronic documentation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license required.

What You May Bring

While not required, the following qualifications may help you succeed in this role:

• Experience working in recovery housing, behavioral health, substance use treatment, or supportive housing settings.
• Experience facilitating peer support groups or recovery workshops.
• Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Familiarity with Philadelphia recovery resources and community service systems.
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.
• Strong advocacy and community engagement skills.

What We Offer

Project HOME is committed to supporting the well-being of our employees through a comprehensive benefits package.

Eligible employees enjoy:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee costs
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Generous Paid Time Off, including paid sabbatical leave
• Employee wellness programs
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Who We Are

Project HOME is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. Through integrated housing, healthcare, education, employment, and supportive services, we empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve lasting stability.

Our recovery-focused services help individuals build healthier lives through connection, self-determination, community support, and access to meaningful opportunities. We believe recovery is possible, and that lived experience is a powerful tool for inspiring hope and change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Project HOME is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Project HOME conducts background checks, reference checks, and drug screenings on all final candidates as a condition of employment.