Recovery Support Specialist

Position Summary: This position coordinates AODA treatment and recovery support services for individuals returning to the community from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections facilities or involved with DOC Community Corrections Probation and Parole. May also serve consumers in the general population. Essential Functions: 1.Accept referrals of eligible consumers from Reach In Specialists, DOC and Central Intake and initiate a process to access strengths and needs. Offer service coordination and treatment planning in conjunction with Probation and Parole plan. 2.Set up Recovery Support Teams made up of formal and informal supports that will provide a support network. The Recovery Support Team will include but not be limited to the Recovery Services Coordinator, consumer, Probation and Parole agent, AODA treatment provider and natural supports. The Team must be assembled within two (2) weeks of enrollment by interviewing the consumer and identifying the support system. 3.Facilitate and coordinate Recovery Support Team meetings to develop a Recovery Plan of Care (RPOC) based on consumer strengths and needs, values and preferences and the probation/parole plan that will assist the consumer to reach favorable and measurable outcomes. The (RPOC) should contain community-based services and be completed within the first thirty (30) days. Subsequent (RPOC's) should be done every 30 days or adjusted as needs arise. 4.Assist the Recovery Support Team in establishing measurable consumer outcomes and help develop a (RPOC) to reduce any system barriers among agencies. The plan should reflect the best possible fit with the cultures, values and beliefs of the consumer. 5.Prepare and conduct training on Wraparound philosophy and approach to services for consumers to AODA vendors and other team members. 6.Counsel, support, and engage the consumer in the AODA Wraparound process. Promote self-sufficiency and assist with rebuilding relationships and daily living. 7.Collaborate with Probation and Parole and the AODA agency to become the ongoing aftercare provider to facilitate Recover Support Team meetings and to coordinate services. 8.Develop and authorize the (RPOC) services for the consumer through vouchers with approved Network Providers through vouchering guidelines and procedures. 9.Monitor the provision and quality of services through the Recovery Support Team and modify the (RPOC) per the established guidelines. 10.Advocate and be a liaison for the consumer when new services/resources need to be developed. Act as an advocate on behalf of the consumer regarding the Court system and other institutions. 11.Provide or secure support and crisis services for consumers. This may be through face-to-face contact or phone contact. 12.Arrange or provide transportation if appropriate and when needed. Be able to be flexible and able to drive to a variety of locations for meetings with clients and other agencies. 13.Document the (RPOC), progress notes, authorization, crisis plans and collect outcome data in a timely manner. 14.Maintain a case load of up to 20 consumers. This includes weekly face-to-face contacts, arranging and attending Recovery Support Team meetings and other meetings on behalf of the consumer; accessible 24/7 for possible crisis response. The caseload may vary by the demands of the department. 15.Participate in administrative and collaborative meetings and activities associated with the WIser Choice and Behavioral Health Department as required. Other Duties and Responsibilities: 1.Assist in educating and engaging defendants in the treatment process. 2.Participate in Recovery Support meetings as appropriate. 3.Attend training as required to enhance facilitation skills. 4.Collaborate with other necessary individuals that the consumer may have contact with, i.e., Probation and Parole, DOC, social services, Courts, attorneys, employers, etc. 5.Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the Administrator. 6.Assist the consumer to access AODA treatment and recovery services which may include mental health services, housing assistance, employment assistance, social services, educational services and other services as needs are identified. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Highly organized and attention to detail and follow through. Excellent communication and writing skills a must. Ability to work with diverse populations. Knowledge of the issues of substance abuse and addiction issues required. Knowledge of criminal justice and available community resources preferred. Experience in interviewing and meeting facilitation preferred. Computer skills are essential Minimal qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or Human Services required; 3 years related experience. Knowledge of Wraparound Philosophy a plus. Valid Wisconsin Driver's License, automobile insurance and access to an automobile required. Must be able to use a computer and type a minimum of 35 WPM. Must be able to meet security clearance standards set by the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections and Milwaukee County. Work Relationship and Scope: Reports directly to the Administrator/Program Supervisor. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, probation, and parole staff, WCS staff, AODA and recovery support services providers, funders, family members and the general public. Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, clients and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission. Working Conditions: Work is performed in the office and in the field. Approximately 50% of the time is in the field and requires driving within Milwaukee Co. with occasional travel to state correctional facilities. Must be accessible via cell phone 24/7 for crisis response. Averages 40 hours per week with flexible work schedule to accommodate consumer schedules. (8:30am - 4:30pm) Physical Demands: Sitting at desk or in meetings for up to 2 hours at a time; sitting in a vehicle for travel; requires good hearing and ability to communicate verbally; requires ability to use a computer with hand and finger dexterity for data entry and record keeping. Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability, status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. PM21